Translated books win over readers

Since the start of this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair, readers and publishers have noticed a rise in Bengali translations of world literature classics, with the growing popularity of these works clearly reflected in readers’ enthusiastic response.
Readers who feel less comfortable in studying English texts but have immense interests to enjoy the taste of literary works from diverse cultures and languages, transcending national boundaries, are searching for and purchasing translation works, said the publishers.
According to them, they have published more Bengali translations of classics from other languages responding to the demand of readers, but translation of classics of Bangla literature in foreign languages has not increased in the expected way.
Baatighar always brings a good number of translations. Publisher of Baatighar, Dipankar Das, said, “There is always a demand for translated literature. It will increase further. One may not read English comfortably, but has a penchant for world literature. Translation helps them get the taste of world literature.”
There are considerable allegations about the quality of many newly published translations. With the increasing popularity of translated books, the number of substandard translations is also increasing.
Responding to this complaint, Dipankar said if a reader does not understand the translation, then questions can be raised about quality. Baatighar, however, publishes books by ensuring quality.
Salesperson of Seba Prokashoni, Azizul Hakim, said the sale of translated books has been going well for the last several years.
“Translations and novels are our bestsellers. A big portion of our new books this time is translations. Average sales of these translated copies are getting better every day,” he said.
Small or big, almost all publishing houses are bringing translations of novels, thrillers, detective series, biographies, theories and historical books of world-famous authors into Bangla.
Also, many translated books are published without the permission of the original authors. As a result, the editing of these books is not done properly.

Translator Mostaq Sharif has translated “After Dark” by Japanese author Haruki Murakami.
According to him, the state of translation literature is having a good time as the demand for such works is increasing gradually. He said, “Good to see that translation works are getting a good response from readers. It indicates the changing taste of readers. But the substandard works of translation are deceiving the bookworms. Publishers and readers need to be careful while selecting and purchasing books.”
On the 12th day of the book fair, a discussion programme titled “Shahidullah Kaiser” was held at the main stage of the book fair at 3pm with Syed Azizul Haque Chowdhury in the chair.