Translating the untranslatable

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dc.contributor.authorAdeigbe, IA
dc.contributor.authorAdeyemi, RO
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-19T13:40:45Z
dc.date.available2026-04-19T13:40:45Z
dc.date.issued2026
dc.description.abstractTranslating Yoruba oral literature presents unique challenges that go beyond linguistic equivalence, as it involves conveying culturally rooted idioms, metaphors, proverbs, and performance aesthetics into a target language without losing their meaning and artistic power. This study explores the complexities of translating Yoruba oral texts, such as Oríkì (p ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Employing a hermeneutic and socio-linguistic approach, the paper examines issues of untranslatability, cultural specificity, and the loss of performative elements essential to meaning-making in Yoruba oral traditions. It also investigates strategies such as domestication, foreignisation, paratextual commentary, and multimodal translation to preserve semantic richness, rhythm, and aesthetic appeal in the target language. The study argues that effective translation of Yoruba oral literature requires balancing fidelity to the source culture with accessibility for international audiences. Ultimately, this work contributes to ongoing discussions in translation studies by advocating for culturally sensitive methods that maintain the richness of Yoruba oral heritage in cross-cultural literary exchanges.
dc.identifier.urihttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/17403
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherDepartment of Linguistics, University of Ilorin
dc.relation.ispartofseries2; 1
dc.subjectCultural context
dc.subjectDomestication and foreignisation
dc.subjectTranslation strategies
dc.subjectYoruba and literature
dc.titleTranslating the untranslatable
dc.title.alternativeChallenges and Strtegies in Rendering Yoruba Oral Literature within Cultural and Literary Contexts

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