Interview with Translator Jayant Sharma on Promoting Nepali Literature Globally

Sharma is a regular contributor to South Asian journals, focusing on Nepali arts, culture, and literature. He is also the author of ‘To Whom It May Concern,’ a poetry collection released in Australia. In an email interview with Global Voices, Sharma discussed his translation work and literary inspirations.

Sharma recently translated Pradeep Gyawali’s poetry collection, ‘Bina Salikka Nayakharu,’ into English as ‘Unsung Heroes,’ which is expected to be published next year. He expressed that Gyawali’s poetry significantly impacted him, addressing key issues in Nepali society. He also completed the translation of Dr. Sangita Swechcha’s short story collection, ‘Gulaf Sangako Prem,’ titled ‘Rose’s Odyssey: A tale of love and loss,’ which will be published soon. Furthermore, he is working on translations of Guru Prasad Mainali’s ‘Naso’ and Ramesh Bikal’s ‘Naya Sadak ko Geet,’ aiming to introduce these renowned works to a broader audience. On a personal note, he is developing a project titled ‘Whispers in the Mountain,’ which will be a collection of short stories featuring notable works from 30 Nepali writers.

In discussing the unique challenges of translating different literary voices, Sharma highlighted the importance of capturing the essence and cultural nuances of each writer. He expressed that this process involves not just translating words but also conveying emotions and ensuring that readers from different cultures can connect with Nepali literature. The joy of translation lies in discovering new aspects of Nepali life and traditions.

Sharma views translation as a crucial means to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding of Nepali literary heritage worldwide. He noted that while many global literary traditions have been appreciated mainly through translation, much of Nepal's rich literary history remains unknown due to the lack of translated works. Translation serves as a conduit for sharing Nepali narratives on the international stage, thereby amplifying the voices of Nepali authors.

He also acknowledged the obstacles faced by Nepali translators when engaging with international literature, particularly texts not available in English. The scarcity of source texts in Nepali complicates capturing the subtleties of original works, and cultural contextualization presents a challenge in adapting references and idioms to resonate with Nepali readers.

When discussing his approach to translation, Sharma emphasized the importance of thematic translation, which he believes effectively conveys intricate cultural nuances. While he has occasionally employed literal translations, his journey has led him to favor a thematic interpretation that resonates with a broader audience. He meticulously immerses himself in the source material to ensure that the translations preserve the authenticity of the original work.

Regarding the global recognition of Nepali literature, Sharma remains optimistic. He noted that while Nepali literature is gradually gaining traction internationally, significant efforts are needed for it to be firmly established on the global literary map. He pointed out challenges such as a shortage of skilled translators and editors, financial constraints, and a lack of encouragement from publishers and readers. Despite these hurdles, authors like Ramesh Bikal, Indra Bahadur Rai, and others have begun to carve niches in global literature.

Sharma emphasized the importance of showcasing more Nepali works in translation, asserting that much of what reaches international audiences is authored in English rather than in Nepali. He expressed excitement about the potential for increased global interest in Nepali literature as it offers fresh perspectives and insights.

The influence of Nepali voices from the diaspora is another positive trend, infusing Nepali literature with a dynamic spirit that resonates globally. Sharma noted that the internet and social media allow for broader literary conversations, connecting Nepali literature with readers everywhere.