The lack of translation of sexuality based (erotic) novels in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The depiction of sexual terms in translation has been a controversial subject in Sri Lankan culture. Sex is without a doubt one of the most intimate indicators of identity as in conjures up images of sexual actions, eroticism, pleasure, taboo, fantasies, and desires, where the language is considered to be the most intimate medium of expressing sentiments of sex. The problems that lead to the discourage of Sri Lankan translators are the Sinhala language does not have sufficient vocabulary on expressing sexual terms, the government interference in banning erotic novels and Sri Lankan cultural beliefs. The main objective of this study is to encourage the Sri Lankan translators to embrace the beauty in translating erotic novels despite seeing the word “sex” as a socio-cultural and political act with serious theoretical and ideological implications. This study was conducted using the methodology of quantitative content analysis based on controversial novels. The used study sources are “Ma:gam So:liya” by Mohan Raj Madawala, “Lowe:na” by Mohan Raj Madawala and “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E .L. James which all are novels that are not yet translated. Studying and researching about the eroticism, the relationship between the translator and the erotic writings and researching about why the local translator is demotivated to translate erotic novels while selftranslating the content regarding sexual terms to the English language which is present on local controversial and erotic novels and vice versa. The study shows that the lack on translation of erotic novels in Sri Lanka is due to its cultural barrier, the fear of the translator to expose the colloquy sex in its pure nature because of the courteousness and discourteousness beliefs and the insufficient vocabulary of Sinhala language which is the main obstacle to convey the real erotic taste to the society.