The Function of Translation in Culture: Transforming Tamil Culture via English for Sinhala

Abstract

An attempt made in this paper to present the function of translation in culture of modern Sri Lankan society and to discuss the attitudes of different community in the society through translation. Translation is mostly referred to as the act of transforming the data of a source language into a target language. In this process, the culture plays a major role between two languages, Sinhala and Tamil. The translator's knowledge on these two languages is of great significance since the minor change has the capacity to change the intended meaning of the original text. Further a brief historical view of the position occupied by language during the period of Independence and after the Swabasha education policy in Sri Lanka is presented. As a result of this policy, the role of English as a link language gains importance for transforming the cultures to both the societies. Generally the function of translation in Tamil culture has been making over to Sinhala society via English. The societal, cultural attitudes too have been responsible for the position of translation. This article discusses some of the cultural aspects of Tamil and Sinhala societies. The overall findings of this analysis contribute to have a better understanding within the societies through English translation.