Comparability, Cognition, and Cultural Recreation

A Theoretical Reading of the Translation of Pahari Riddles

Abstract

The act of translation transcends linguistic substitution to embrace cultural exchange and cognitive adaptation. This paper explores the translation of Pahari riddles collected through fieldwork in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, to examine the balance between equivalence and synthesis in translation. Riddles, as oral traditions, pose unique challenges due to their intrinsic duality, serving as both linguistic constructs and cultural artefacts. While traditional translation theories emphasise adequacy and equivalence, this study advocates for the latter, nuanced approach that foregrounds cultural embeddedness and integrates domestication and foreignization, which enables accessibility without overly compromising the source. Going beyond the equivalence analytical framework, this paper evaluates translation strategies in terms of their ability to maintain or adapt semantic, structural, and cultural elements while preserving the identity of culturally-rooted oral texts. A limitation of the study is the small sample size, which, although rich in complexity, may not comprehensively reflect the region’s diverse riddle traditions. Key findings highlight that riddles inherently resist direct equivalence due to their reliance on cultural allusions and linguistic creativity. Consequently, effective translation requires a synthesis of strategies that maintain intelligibility while respecting the nuances of the source culture. The study emphasises that the structural nature of riddles defies standardised methods, necessitating a flexible, context-sensitive approach. The breaching of the equivalence framework offers critical insights into this adaptive process, underlining the need to balance faithfulness to the source with relevance to the target audience. Ultimately, this work underscores the broader significance of translating oral traditions, advocating for a dynamic model in which riddles transform, not just transfer.