Translation and Botswana Literature in Setswana Language: A Postcolonial Criticism and Practice

The role of translation in the development and transformation of various aspects of both traditional and modern Botswana literature cannot be overlooked. This is not only because of its significance in defining and describing the different categories of the literature but also due to fact that translation has opened paths that make it possible to theorize and critique Setswana literature in the context of translation. Translation in Setswana literature applies to a vast volume of works encompassing the written and oral genres. This project aims to explore the perspectives and arguments that have been submitted by various translators and authors with respect to translation in Setswana literature in general. While recognizing that, at different historical periods, translation as a process has patently transpired in other local languages spoken in Botswana in a similar fashion, the present study exclusively focuses on the literary production in the Setswana language. In addition to being the common parlance, Setswana boasts of a sizeable works of literature, some of which have been translated into European languages, and mainly English. The examples of works that are considered for description and critique in this study are drawn from the oral and written traditions of Setswana literature. These include oral poetry, oral narratives such as proverbs and folktales, written poetry, novels and plays. Based on the critical discussion of these works, the study also aims to investigate the impact of translation on the formation and transformation of these genres that constitute the body of Setswana literature. This research project builds on few existing translation studies on Botswana literature. But, unlike most of the existing studies, it also goes beyond those studies in that it acknowledges and contextualizes the work of translation not merely as a new literary invention in the language but also in its instrumental function in enhancing and diversifying the trajectories of Setswana literature. Keywords: Setswana Literature, Translation