#bengali idioms

[engtobangla]

155 Idioms and Phrases with Bangla Meaning

Idioms কাকে বলে? Idioms বা “বাগধারা” হল ভাষা এবং যোগাযোগের অবিচ্ছেদ্য বাক্যাংশ,যা বক্তৃতা এবং লেখায় গভীরতা, সূক্ষ্মতা যোগ করে।এই Idioms/ English Idioms প্রায়শই সাংস্কৃতিক তাৎপর্য বহন করে এবং একটি নির্দিষ্ট বার্তা বা ধারণাকে আরও আকর্ষণীয় ভাবে প্রকাশ করতে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করে । Idioms and Phrases with Bangla Meanings: Section- A Idiom and PhrasesMeaning of BanglaExample 1. Crying…

[metamatar]

February Reading Round Up! In reverse chronological order of finishing

Reinventing Revolution: New Social Movements and the Socialist Tradition in India by Gail Omvedt

Been meaning to read for a long long time, was serendiptiously a reading groups' choice and on my tumblr dash. Very good, detailed tour of movements that have complicated "class first" - caste, gender, peasant, tribal and their evolution theoretically and historically. Enjoyed how obviously socialist and critical Omvedt is of regressive trends and fair to the demands of popular organising that trouble us. I made so many notes, and intend to revist her perspective later when I've studied more. Where I was familiar with secondary literature like, caste I think she did an excellent job illustrating the limitations and need for Ambedakrite movements.

The Final Question by Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra

Bengali literature written in dialogue with the anti colonial movement's understanding of the new role of the Indian woman, this book is angry in the best way. Something very Dostoyevsky like in the arguments between the characters, but, instead of a religious worldview you have a deeply modern, materialist worldview being sharply advocated for against revanchist cultural trends in the novel's heroine Kamal. It holds up really well for a book in 1936, and its tenderness in handling every character's hopes and despair is deeply touching.

The Play Of Dolls Stories by Narain, Kunwar

Tumblr Mutual Book Club pick! Short Story collection by Hindi experimental poet and writer. Very evocative stories that have the best onion like layers of thematic interests. Oft satirical but never bleak, with the exception of the last story which felt like an odd addition to the set.

Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Machado, Carmen Maria

Short Story collection as well, feminist and queer themes. I'd already read the Husband Stitch and was interested in what else the author could do, unfortunately not a lot more thematically. The stories are tightly written and gripping, only that they don't reveal much to me.

Dumb Luck by Vũ, Trọng Phụng

Tumblr Mutual Book Club pick as well. Relentlessly, satirically bleak, also colonial writing. This one is set in Vietnam when it was in French Indochina. Tetra said that every character is an antagonist and FR. Vicious, and a little too bleak for my taste, this is a more traditionalist critique of Vietnamese elite aping the French. The gender politics are absolutely bonkers, the translation I read does a pretty decent job of transferring the text's humor to modern idiom.

Vita & Virginia: A Double Life by Gristwood, Sarah

Biography of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackwille-West, picked up on a whim because of my interest in Woolf's 'madness' and her romantic letters. Really enjoyed reading the complicated polyamorous love lives these literati had. Virginia's struggles with her illness are quite movingly portrayed. Illustrated with pictures of the beautiful homes and gardens the subjects spent their time in so fun for me! Enjoyed how conversant the author was with their literary output and its critical reception and impact. Made me want to finish reading my Woolf books.

The Stranger by Camus, Albert

I thought I'd like this more. The distanced narrator is very poorly executed, so the protagonist's redemption? revelations? towards the end of the novel kind of fell flat. Style over substance problem I think.

The Horizon (Sumer, #2) by Gautam Bhatia

Conclusion to The Wall, also one of those I wish I'd liked a lot more than I did. Very fast paced in its third act, well plotted but weakened by its repeated revelation of this character is ACTUALLY on this SIDE. Like, its done with every family member of the protagonist. Worldbuilding remains memorable if a bit predictable. Would make a better movie.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Personally I love an old man vs a fish, even if it does not have the gay content Moby Dick promised. Excellent use of the novel for investigating the interiority of a man. It's been a short story kind of month I suppose.

Lady Chatterley's Lover by Lawrence, D.H.

I have already complained about how fascist this book is. Why does modern commentary elide on its very violent racism and sexism and homophobia? I don't think its erotic worldview offers much to not fascist post sex liberation readers lol.

The Idiot by Batuman, Elif

Sorry. Girl at Harvard was not compelling as expected, but I did get a lot from the third act where the protagonist confronts her love interest for real - honest writing that doesn't shy away from difficult conversations.

The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov, Mikhail

Stalin era Soviet satire (its a month for it!) Very conversant with Faust, which I had not read so that I think diminished my understanding of the book. Absurd, very Christian and very funny about the comedic aspects of Soviet life. Loved the ending, almost Tolkein like in its hope for pretty broken characters.

The World in a Grain of Sand: Postcolonial Literature and Radical Universalism by Majumdar, Nivedita

Postcolonial Lit: The Takedown. Incisive, excellent, gave me a lot of books I want to try that the author points to as bucking the trend of compliance to particularist, oft parochial and usually defeatist understandings that dominate the genre.

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

also Bookclub pick. Devastating. Very effective use of the limited POV to illustrate the way shame damns love. Every few pages wrecked me. Tight and sparing with characterisation + description, but delirious with how emotionally close you ride with the protagonist. Best book I have read in a while.

[lotusmi]

vote your lang! Part 2

[idiomland]

"Monkey business" means "silly or dishonest behavior." 🐒 ⠀ Example: Our teacher warned us not to try any monkey business while she was out of the room. ⠀ Example: There's money missing from the office and it's not the first time it's happened. I think there's some monkey business going on. ⠀ Origin: It's a Bengali phrase that English assimilated during British occupation of India. In an 1837 letter, it appears next to the qualifier "as the Indians call it." ⠀ (AI-generated picture) ⠀ Learn idioms in our app - https://onelink.to/zhdnr2

[translationwala]

Eloquent Fusion: The Power of English to Bengali Translation

Over 265 million people speak Bengali around the world. It has a rich literature history and a beautiful rhythm. But in today’s international world, being able to switch between Bengali and English is becoming more and more important. This is where English to Bengali translation comes in handy. It’s not just changing words; it’s a beautiful combination that opens up a world of possibilities.

Unveiling Knowledge and Empowering Voices:

English opens the door to a huge pool of information. English is often used to record scientific findings, academic study, and technology progress. Bengali people can use this information thanks to seamless English to Bengali translation. Translation makes it possible for people who study Bengali to read the newest medical journals and for students to learn about important scientific findings.

Bridging the Gap in Business and Commerce:

West Bengal is a center for business and new ideas. But businesses need to be able to communicate well in order to do well in the world market. Translation from English to Bengali helps connect Bengali businesses with partners around the world. When contracts, speeches, and marketing materials are translated correctly, it builds trust, makes relationships stronger, and lets you enter new markets. A website that is well adapted can bring in Bengali people and show off what a business has to offer.

Enriching Education and Fostering Innovation:

To make change, you need to educate people. Textbooks, study papers, and online classes are some of the things that we translate into Bengali so that students can learn more. This not only helps them do better in school, but it also lets them add their own unique ideas to the pool of knowledge around the world. Higher education translated tools can help creativity by letting Bengali researchers work on projects with people from other countries and interact with international research.

Celebrating Culture and Preserving Heritage:

Language is what makes society what it is. Bengali writing, with its moving poems and interesting sentences, should be read all over the world. Translating from English to Bengali is an important part of showing the world this rich history. People from other countries can enjoy the beauty and depth of Bengali culture through translated books, folk tales, and proverbs. This not only makes Bengali groups around the world proud, but it also helps people from other cultures understand and appreciate each other.

The Nuances of Translation:

There are obvious benefits, but it can be hard to make English and Bengali translations sound beautiful together:

The Melody of Language: Bengali is known for having beautiful lyrics and a steady flow. If you translate from English word-for-word, you might miss what the original text is really about. Professional translators work hard to catch the emotional depth and beauty of the Bengali language while also getting the point across correctly.

Formal and Informal Registers: There are different languages for official and informal situations in both English and Bengali. A translator has to be able to pick up on these subtleties and change the version to fit. For example, the tone needed to translate a business letter would be more official than the tone needed to translate a friendly email to a friend.

Cultural References and Idioms: Every language has a lot of words, proverbs, and cultural references that may not have clear translations into the other language. A skilled translator who knows a lot about both cultures can get around these problems and make sure the Bengali audience understands the text.

The Future of English to Bengali Translation:

As technology gets better, computer translation looks like a good way to help people who speak different languages communicate. These tools are still being worked on, though, so they might not be able to handle the complexities of Bengali. For truly beautiful English to Bengali versions, human interpreters who know both languages and their cultural settings will always be needed.

Here’s a glimpse into the future:

Machine Learning and Human Collaboration: Machine translation can do most of the work, but human interpreters can check the work to make sure it is correct, flows well, and takes into account different cultures.

Domain-Specific Expertise: Translators who specialize in certain areas, like law, medicine, or technology, can provide more detailed versions that are specific to those areas.

Community-Driven Resources: When Bengali speakers, translators, and tech workers work together, they can make language tools and resources that are strong and meet the needs of the Bengali community.

Conclusion:

English to Bengali Translation is a strong way to get information out there, give people a say, and honor national traditions. We can keep improving the art of translation by using new technology and encouraging people to learn new skills. This will pave the way for a future where people who know English and Bengali can meet, work together, and share their unique stories with the world.

Source: https://translationwala.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/eloquent-fusion-the-power-of-english-to-bengali-translation/

[devnagri]

The Art and Importance of English to Bengali Translation

 Introduction:

In our increasingly interconnected world, effective communication across language barriers is crucial. One language pair that exemplifies this need is English to Bengali translation. English, as a global language, serves as a bridge between diverse cultures, and translating it into Bengali opens doors to a rich and vibrant linguistic landscape. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of English to Bengali translation, the challenges it poses, and the artistry involved in ensuring accurate and culturally nuanced communication.

The Importance of English to Bengali Translation:

Cultural Exchange: English serves as a lingua franca in various international domains, including business, science, and technology. Translating content from English to Bengali facilitates the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and cultural nuances between these two distinct linguistic communities.

Access to Information: As the internet continues to be a primary source of information, translating English content into Bengali ensures that a broader audience can access valuable resources. Whether it's academic materials, news articles, or entertainment content, translation enables the dissemination of information to those who may not be proficient in English.

Business Expansion: For businesses looking to expand into Bengali-speaking markets, accurate translation is essential. It goes beyond mere language conversion; it involves adapting content to local sensibilities, cultural norms, and business practices, fostering a deeper connection with the target audience.

Challenges in English to Bengali Translation:

Linguistic Differences: English and Bengali belong to different language families, and their grammatical structures and scripts vary significantly. Translators must navigate these differences to ensure that the translated content is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

 Cultural Nuances: Bengali culture has its unique nuances, idioms, and expressions that may not have direct equivalents in English. Translators must possess cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of both languages to convey the intended meaning accurately.

Technical Jargon: Translating technical or specialized content requires expertise in the relevant field. Whether it's scientific, medical, or technological terminology, maintaining accuracy and precision is paramount to prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

The Artistry of English to Bengali Translation:

Language Mastery: A proficient translator is not only bilingual but also a master of both languages. They possess an in-depth understanding of grammar, syntax, and semantics in both English and Bengali, allowing them to convey the original message with clarity and precision.

Cultural Adaptation: Successful translation is not a mere word-for-word conversion; it involves adapting content to the cultural context of the target audience. Translators must be adept at capturing the cultural nuances, ensuring that the translated text resonates with the local audience.

Attention to Detail: The devil is in the details, as they say. Translators pay meticulous attention to every word, phrase, and sentence to ensure that the essence of the original message is retained. This requires a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality translations.

Conclusion:

English to Bengali translation is more than just a linguistic exercise; it's a bridge that connects diverse cultures, facilitates information exchange, and enables businesses to thrive in new markets. The challenges posed by linguistic and cultural differences require skilled translators who can navigate these complexities with finesse. As we continue to navigate a globalized world, the importance of accurate and culturally sensitive translation cannot be overstated. It is a testament to the power of language in fostering understanding and unity across borders.

Source: The Art and Importance of English to Bengali Translation

[legend-collection]

Bhoota/Bhuta

A bhoota or bhuta is a supernatural creature, usually the ghost of a deceased person, in the popular culture, literature and some ancient texts of the Indian subcontinent. Interpretations of how bhootas come into existence vary by region and community, but they are usually considered to be perturbed and restless due to some factor that prevents them from moving on (to transmigration, non-being, nirvana, or swarga or naraka, depending on tradition). This could be a violent death, unsettled matters in their lives, or simply the failure of their survivors to perform proper funerals.

Belief in ghosts has been deeply ingrained in the minds of the people of the subcontinent for generations. There are many allegedly haunted places in the subcontinent, such as cremation grounds, dilapidated buildings, royal mansions, forts, forest bungalows, burning ghats, etc. Ghosts also occupy a significant place in the Bengali culture. Ghosts and various supernatural entities form an integral part of the socio-cultural beliefs of both the Muslim and Hindu communities of Bangladesh and Indian states of West Bengal. Fairy tales often use the concept of ghosts and references to paranormal activity are found amply in modern-day Bengali literature, cinema, radio and TV programmes. In Pakistan, the word jinn is used to refer to both the Arabic Jinns as well as bhootas. Influenced by Arabic and Persian mythology, bhootas in the Pakistani society have a more varied and fluid identity, ranging from Jinns from another realm made of fire, to ghosts of humans who died painful deaths.

Bhūta is a Sanskrit term that carries the connotations of "past" and "being" and, because it has connection with "one of the most wide-spread roots in Indo-European — namely, *bheu/*bhu-", has similar-sounding cognates in virtually every branch of that language family, e.g., Irish (bha), English (be), Latvian (but) and Persian (budan).

In Hindustani, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Bengali, Sindhi and other languages of the northern subcontinent, the concept of bhoots is extensively used in idiom. To be "ridden by the bhoot of something" (bhoot sawaar hona) means to take an obsessive interest in that thing or work unrelentingly towards that goal. Conversely, to "dismount a bhoot" (bhoot utaarna) means to break through an obsession or see through a false belief that was previously dearly held. "To look like a bhoot" (bhoot lagna) means to look disheveled and unkempt or to dress ridiculously. A house or building that is untidy, unmaintained or deserted when it should not be is sometimes pejoratively called a bhoot bangla.

The word has travelled far into Southeast Asia: it entered Javanese through Sanskrit as buta generally referring to a malevolent spirit/demonic giant which haunts places, it also refers to the genre of evil giants in wayang stories such as Buta Cakil. It has also undergone an evolution in the Malay world to mean a jinn-like creature mentioned in the as Malay Annals; there is a legend of such a creature that dwells in the plains of the Perak River with similar traits albeit of gigantic size giving its name to a town in north of the Malay Peninsula named Bota.

Bhootas are able to shape-shift into various animal forms at will, but are most often seen in human shape. However, their feet often reveal them to be ghosts, since they face backwards. As the earth is regarded as sacred or semi-sacred in many traditions of the Indian subcontinent, bhootas will go to great lengths to avoid contact with it, often floating a fraction above it, although sometimes as much as a foot off the ground. Furthermore bhootas cast no shadows, and speak with a nasal twang. They often lurk in the branches of specific trees and prefer to appear in white clothing. Sometimes bhootas haunt specific houses (the so-called bhoot banglas, i.e. bhoot bungalows), which are typically the places where they were killed or places which hold some other deep significance for them.

Many ghost stories in the region combine these elements. For instance, they might involve a protagonist who fails to flee or take countermeasures when they run across a bhoota. Instead, they unwittingly accept the bhoota's companionship (e.g., keep the ghost company as he/she walks through a forest, or (if a man) picks up the ghost in his car because it looks like an attractive woman waiting by the roadside at night). They become progressively aware that their companion is dressed entirely in white and has a strangely nasal voice, before the horrifying realization dawns on them that their companion's feet are turned backwards, or he/she is not casting a shadow in the moonlight, or is walking without actually touching the ground. Bhootas are said to seek out milk and immerse themselves in it. Consuming bhoota-contaminated milk is considered a typical route for bhoota- possession of humans, which has also been a frequent plot element in bhoota stories.

A particular kind of bhoota, that of a woman who died during pregnancy or childbirth, is known as a churel (dakini in Nepal and eastern India). Churels look like human women, but their feet are turned backwards or other features are turned upside down. They can change their forms at any time. Churel often try to lure young men at road crossings and fields or similar places. If a man is enamoured of a churel, it is believed that she will cause his death. There are, however, stories of people living with a churel, or even marrying one.

In many regions, bhootas are said to fear water and objects made iron or steel, so keeping either of these near at hand is believed to afford protection against them. The scent of burnt turmeric is also said to ward them off - as are the fibres of the Apiaceous herb bhutkeshi ("bhoota's hair"). As is typical of ghosts throughout the world, invoking the name of holy figures and deities is also said to repel bhootas. In some regions, sprinkling earth on oneself is said to shield against bhootas. According to Hinduism and all Dharmic Religions, the soul cannot be destroyed by any means. As a bhootaa is just the lost, or angry soul of a deceased person, Hindu exorcists will not (or cannot) destroy them, but perform instead a ritual from the Atharva Veda called atma-shanti which is just a modified shraadh (death anniversary) carried out by those haunted by a bhoota, promising it that they will do everything in their power either to ensure the rebirth of the bhoota or to finish the works left incomplete by it (or both). Such actions provide the bhoota with what it wants, causing it to cease haunting its victim for good.

The Bhutas, spirits of deified heroes, of fierce and evil beings, of Hindu deities and of animals, etc., are wrongly referred to as "ghosts" or "demons" and, in fact, are protective and benevolent beings. Though it is true that they can cause harm in their violent forms, as they are extremely powerful, they can be pacified through worship or offerings referred to as Bhuta Aradhana.

[niharikasharma672345]

Deciphering the Digital Dharma: Your Guide to Conquering the ORM Realm in India

In the vibrant tapestry of India's digital landscape, where over 700 million voices mingle and opinions dance, reputation is no longer just a whisper; it's a neon billboard flashing on every screen. In this dynamic marketplace, where trust is the ultimate currency, businesses and individuals alike face a crucial challenge: navigating the labyrinth of online perception and emerging as champions of their own narratives. This is where the unsung heroes of the digital age, the ORM tools in India, step onto the stage.

But choosing the best ORM tool in India is akin to embarking on a mythical quest in the Himalayas – fraught with perils and hidden delights. The sheer plethora of options, each promising the nirvana of perfect online management, can overwhelm even the most seasoned digital warrior. To conquer this challenge, you need a map, a compass, and a deep understanding of the unique terrain of the Indian digital dharma.

Understanding the Digital Everest:

India's internet sphere is no homogenous mountain path. It's a sprawling, vibrant jungle, teeming with diverse languages, cultural nuances, and a cacophony of online platforms. From behemoths like Facebook and Twitter to regional powerhouses like ShareChat and Koo, the best ORM tool in India needs to be a sherpa, expertly guiding you through this complex ecosystem. It must understand the subtleties of Hindi idioms, the power of Tamil memes, and the nuances of Marathi sarcasm, ensuring your message resonates with your audience, not gets lost in translation.

Beyond Buzzwords: The Holy Grail of Features:

So, what separates the mortal apps from the divine champions in the quest for the best ORM tool in India? The answer lies in a potent concoction of features, tailored to navigate the intricate web of Indian online life.

1. The Multilingual Mantra: Forget the shackles of English-only interfaces. The best ORM tool in India needs to be a polymath, fluent in the myriad languages that form the bedrock of Indian online conversations. From Hindi and Tamil to Bengali and Marathi, the tool should be your digital interpreter, ensuring you stay connected to your audience, regardless of their mother tongue.

2. The Sentiment Seer: Sentiment analysis isn't just about counting smiley faces and angry emojis. The best ORM tool in India should possess the mystical power to decipher the subtleties of Indian emotions. Sarcasm, hyperbole, and cultural references can easily trip up a less enlightened tool, leading to misunderstandings and disastrous damage control missions.

3. The Platform Pathfinder: India's digital footprints don't reside solely on the familiar peaks of Twitter and Facebook. From regional social media platforms like ShareChat and Koo to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, the best ORM tool in India needs to be a seasoned trekker, adeptly navigating the diverse terrains of the Indian online world.

4. The Crisis Cavalry: Negative feedback and online storms can erupt like sudden monsoons in the Himalayas. The best ORM tool in India should be your rapid response unit, equipped with real-time alerts, sentiment tracking, and crisis management tools to help you weather the storm, protect your reputation, and emerge stronger.

5. The Data Dharma: Reputation management isn't a blind leap of faith. The best ORM tool in India should be your digital guru, transforming the raw material of online conversations into actionable insights. From audience demographics and influencer identification to campaign performance metrics, data is the fuel that drives effective ORM strategies.

Remember, the path to online nirvana isn't a one-size-fits-all trek. Each business, each individual, has unique needs and priorities. But by understanding the challenges of the Indian digital landscape and the essential features of a champion ORM tool in India, you can confidently navigate the labyrinth, choosing the weapon that best suits your battle for a shining online reputation.

In conclusion, building and maintaining a positive online image in India is no longer a luxury; it's the oxygen essential for success in the digital age. By wielding the best ORM tool in India as your compass, you equip yourself to navigate the dynamic currents of online conversations, connect authentically with your audience, and emerge victorious in the ongoing battle for trust and loyalty. So, embark on your quest, armed with knowledge and discernment, and discover the perfect online reputation companion, your very own best ORM tools in India.

[engtobangla]

Important Idioms for Everyone and Their Bengali Meanings

Section: A IdiomsBengali Meanings Examples Above board খোলামেলাHe is kind and polite, but above board he is honest.After allমোটকথাAfter all, he has passed the examination All but প্রায়He was all but dead. All in all in সর্বেসর্বাHer mother is all in all in the family.Over withসবশেষIt is all over with the patient.All the sameএকইHe did all the same though I forbade him.A ruleনিয়ম মাফিকYou have to…

[lotusmi]

My idiom Is Bengali!! It's a really sweet language

i am taking note!! 💓

[bongboyblog]

Bengali word of the day: টুপি (ṭupi/Tu-pi)❄

English: cap, hat

Etymology: From Prakrit 𑀝𑁄𑀧𑀺𑀆 (ṭopiā, “helmet”) (with Middle Indo-Aryan -𑀇𑀓𑀸- (-ikā-)), from Late Sanskrit टोपिका (ṭopikā), टुप्पिका (ṭuppikā). Cognate with Gujarati ટોપી (ṭopī), Hindi टोपी (ṭopī) and Assamese টুপী (tupi).

Phrases/Sentences:

আমি ঐ লাল টুপিটা কিনতে চাই।

āmi oi lāl ṭupiṭā kinte cā'i.

(aa-mi oi laal Tu-pi-Taa kin-te chaa-i)

Translation: I want to buy that red hat.

Literally: I that red hat/cap-Ta(for emphasis) to-buy want.

Idiom: টুপি পরানো (ṭupi pôrāno) - to fool someone, to rip someone off

[translationwala]

Beyond Words: Navigating Expression in English to Bengali Translation

Over 265 million people speak Bengali around the world. It has a rich literature history and a beautiful rhythm. But people who want to English to Bengali Translation have to do more than just change words. To get to the heart of the message while keeping the unique spirit of Bengali speech is like a dance.

The Nuances of Emotion

Because English is a functional language, feelings are often shown through open speech. Bengali, on the other hand, loves being subtle. One way to hide sarcasm is to use a fun term, while another way to show deep love is to use vague compliments. A good translator understands these subtleties and explains not only the words but also the meaning behind them.

In English, the saying “It’s a nice day” could be a true statement. Some translators might choose “আ঻ বেশ ভালऋ লাগছइ (Aaj besh valo lagche)” instead, which means “I feel pretty good today.” This shows how the nice weather makes you feel, which is a subtlety that is often lost in direct versions.

Cultural References: A Bridge, Not a Barrier

There are a lot of culture connections in English that Bengali speakers might not understand. A translator’s job is to fill in the blanks by finding appropriate Bengali words. It might not be as effective to translate the English phrase “kick the bucket” as it is to use the Bengali saying “পাতায় জল খেয়ে মরা (pataay jol kheye mora),” which means “die after drinking water lying down” but has a more concrete local meaning.

The Power of Idioms and Proverbs

Bengali is a language that is full of phrases and proverbs. These bright phrases give words more depth and taste. These parts can be woven into the translated text by a skilled translator, making it more meaningful to people who read it in Bengali.

Think about how to translate the phrase “the cat killed the mouse.” A direct version wouldn’t show what it means. The Bengali saying “অতিরিকऍত কৌতূহল মীত্যুর কারণ (Atirikta koutol mrithyur karan),” which means “Too much curiosity leads to death,” says the same thing but sounds more natural in Bengali.

Formal vs. Informal: Striking the Right Tone

For a translation to be correct, the source text’s level of seriousness is very important. In English, there are different languages for official and relaxed situations. Bengali, on the other hand, has more layers. To find the right mix, a translator needs to know the situation and the people they are translating for.

For instance, both English and Bengali versions of a business paper would need to have a professional tone. But if you’re reading a friendly email, you might need to use more casual language in Bengali, even if the English is still serious.

The Art of Wordplay

In both English and Bengali, puns, humor, and double entendres are fun to read. To translate these parts, though, you need to know a lot about both languages and cultural themes. A good translator can think of creative ways to keep the fun or meaning of the original text in the translated version.

For example, a pun based on English homophones could be made in Bengali using words that sound alike. This makes sure that the fun tone of the original text stays in the translated text, even if the humor changes.

The Importance of Human Touch

The human touch is still necessary for English to Bengali translation, even though computer translation tools are getting smarter. A good translator knows how to use cultural details, emotional meanings, and the power of words to make people feel certain things. They know how to deal with the subtleties of language and give a translated text that not only gets the point across but also strikes a chord with the Bengali audience.

Conclusion

The process of translating from English to Bengali is more than just swapping words. It’s a journey of getting to the heart of a message, keeping cultural details, and coming up with new ways to say what you want to say. By understanding how important these things are, translators can help people from different countries communicate clearly and effectively.

Source: https://translationwala.wordpress.com/2024/03/27/beyond-words-navigating-expression-in-english-to-bengali-translation/

[linguisticsizfun]

Bangla Idiom

[idiomland]

The idiom “Monkey business“ means “silly or dishonest behavior.“  ⠀ The OED says "monkey business" is a Bengali phrase that English assimilated during British occupation of India. In an 1837 letter (the first usage Google recognizes), it appears in quotes next to the qualifier "as the Indians call it.”⠀ Example 1: Our teacher warned us not to try any monkey business while she was out of the room.⠀ Example 2: I want to sleep. Stop disturbing me by your monkey business.

[wherestoriescomefrom]

what’s your take on white authors writing books about asian characters/asian culture (lmao i know this is a stupid question and i know the answer but i love reading your thoughts so i just want to see your rant kendje if u ever decide to, that is)

ahahahah nooo i love stupid questions!! plus, this is a very interesting one - i just wish i had a rant locked and loaded, but i really do not?? to tell the truth, i don't mind white authors working with asian characters/cultures, i just think that they tend to get it just a little bit wrong a lot, even with the best intentions. i like the approach becky chambers took in A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, where the sci-fi universe just doesn't have as many white people. she doesn't have sweeping generalisations of asian/non white cultures, but she finds reasonable ways to insert characters that look like me. i know it's a safe approach, but the fact that she has a LOT to say about culture, she just does it through alien cultures? i think that really worked for her, she was sensitive to avoid stereotypes, and she mostly managed to stay in her lane. like white people don't have to write about our cultures, they don't have to detail all the nuances, but if they are going to, a sensitivity reader is the best idea.

and then, i think, the other thing to think about,,, is a lot harder to articulate. who is the author aiming for? who's the audience?

more often than not, the author is aiming for a western audience. i don't mean a non-white audience, i mean a western one. even if you are aiming for an indian diasporic audience, they aren't, you know, an indian one. which is where i think fantasy can get a little dicey. the idiom of fantasy really borrows from a western tradition, especially when you are writing for a western audience. and that can be a problem because you tend to move backwards in history while writing fantasy fiction - which means, somewhere or the other, you are going to borrow from imperialist tropes. with something like The Djinni and the Golem, for example, you're in a situation where the author is actually doing a really good job of writing an immigrant american story - but whenever she moves backwards into the middle east, some of the tropes do show up. similarly with daniel abraham, when you read The Long Price Quartet, moving backwards ends up borrowing from some pretty colonial ideas of what asia looks like. and i genuinely LIKED daniel abraham!! i think he did a really decent job, he didn't overuse the word honour, he created a solid magic system, and asia wasn't homogenously imagined by him.

but then in the second book, hes writing a shakespearean tragedy within an asian context, and of course he has to create a discourse around how oppressive the culture is for ruling women?? that entire dimension of feminist understanding is limited, and it was jarring to read it.

the associated problem with this, of course, is that no matter how well you choose to depict asian cultures, none of your books are going to make it to asia.

i am one (1) upper caste girl who has access to the idiom of fantasy fiction. there will be some others like me. but the price of these books is insane for readers who are not in the states. most fantasy books cost over 350 rupees, which is one week of groceries for someone as privileged like me. what is important to remember when writing fantasy fiction and depicting asian cultures is that at the end of the day, your audience is at least once removed from the space it is coming from. you can write as interesting a fantasy as you want using indian histories, but india itself is not going to have that book stocked on their shelves. this isn't to say that white western authors or non white western authors have the mantle of representing every country ever within fantasy, but it is something we should keep in mind - and one that we often don't. a second generation american immigrant will always have more privilege than me, will always have more access to some of these cultural idioms than me, and the books you write aren't going to end up in the shelves Universal Book Sellers, or Bahrisons and Co.

i think this is the bottom line for naomi novik, too. i genuinely think she got a sensitivity reader this time, thats why she improved quite a bit - but even then, she blundered with the arranged marriage thing, which is a pet peeve of mine. genuinely think picking a sensitivity reader from india would have helped her even more. this is also why white people's imagination of a south asian person is hindu!!! because upper caste hindu people usually are the ones who become diaspora in the west, because they have far more access to the cultural currency of the west. within india, we have people who are not upper caste, south asians who practice judaism, christians of various denominations (who are very different from the western imagination of christianity), muslims of different castes and denominations, and so many regions with different languages. i mean, it is telling that of the two indian girls she writes, both are hindu, one speaks hindi and marathi and the other speaks bengali (for those who don't know, bengali people are generally culturally overrepresented in indian history and culture, for various caste related reasons).

ok for real im going to stop now.

there is a larger point i could make around the entire conversation around representation but i have already gone on for a very long time. so much for not having a rant locked and loaded, eh???