Adapting Cultural Nuances: Analysing Domestication in the Urdu Translation of “Forty Rules of Love”

Abstract

This study examines domestication in the Urdu translation of “Forty Rules of love” by Huma Anwar. Conventional translation methods are noted for masking cultural nuances and the natural flow of language. They are seen as rigid, often aiming for direct one-to-one language correspondence, limiting their adaptability. Presently, translation is viewed through a wider lens, acknowledging an expansive perspective. Using purposive sampling, this study selected specific sections from the Urdu translation of "Forty Rules of Love" to showcase instances of domestication. The qualitative analysis underscores the significant role of this strategy in bridging the gap between source and target cultures, fostering better connectivity. Eugene A. Nida's modal of functional equivalence has been used as theoretical framework. Domestication is integrated into Urdu literary translations to align the text culturally for readers, ensuring better understanding and relatability. By adapting cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and references, domestication aims to make the translated work more accessible while preserving the essence of the original text. On these grounds, it is concluded that domestication minimises foreignness and unpacks the cultural discourses.