The Politics of Language and Identity in Translations: A Comparative Study of Mahasweta Devi’s and Jhumpa Lahiri; S Literary Translations

Abstract

Diaspora is a phrase that appears often in many different types of speech. The term is used to describe the process by which a people are driven from their homeland. This paper analyses Lahiri's treatment of culturally and universally relevant themes, including migration and cultural assimilation, globalisation and cultural clashes, and the delicate nature of family relationships abroad, including the awkwardness, beauty, and vitality of each. Among the themes explored in Lahiri's works are traditional gender roles, Indian culture, and the importance of family. In her first novel, "The Namesake" (2003), Jhumpa Lahiri addresses these issues as part of a new wave of Diaspora authors. Her works vividly depict the characters' experiences as they navigate the cultural chasm that exists between the Hindu way of life and the American social order. By mediating information across language and cultural borders and moulding global narratives, translation is a powerful but underappreciated factor in political discourse. In this introductory piece, we look at translation as a tool for political activism and identity building, specifically at how it may subvert dominant narratives, provide a platform to underrepresented groups, and encourage a more compassionate and inclusive international conversation. The research sheds light on the transformational significance of translation as a catalyst for change and cross-cultural understanding, drawing on the ideas of George Orwell and John Searle about the potency of language in political manipulation and power relations.