Bakhtin and Translation Studies: Theoretical Extensions and Connotations

This book investigates the process of translation in light of the dialogical principles proposed by the Russian literary theorist and philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin. It problematizes interlingual translations by questioning the two extreme tendencies in translation; namely, complete target-orientedness on the one hand, and close imitation of the source-text on the other. In the field of cultural encounters, it envisages a Bakhtinian model which is proposed as an alternative to the existing interpretations that discuss the cultural subtleties when two different cultures encounter each other. The overall framework of the book is Bakhtinian, that is, it adopts a dialogic approach, and its main focus is the examination of a Western theoretical formulation through examples from Indian literatures and cultural situations. Such an extension of Bakhtin's ideas, especially to explore examples from Indian literary, cultural and translational fields, has not yet received sufficient attention. The study is not only a unique endeavour in filling up the lacunae, but also draws Bakhtin closer to the Indian literary condition.