Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019

MALAY LITERATURE: TRANSLATED OR NOT TO BE TRANSLATED

Melania Priska [email protected] Sanata Dharma University,

Abstract In Asian literature, is categorized as the minority for its literature. Its development in literary realm has just built for some decades. It is not like the other big countries, such as China, Japan, and many other Southeast Asia which have been famous for its literature in world. Having no difference with other literature, Malay literature is developed through translation. Since English is still the main language in world literature, Malay literature has to consider its literature to be translated in English too. Meanwhile, modern Malay literature has presented already the novels in form of English language verse. Many novelists have tendency to write directly in English rather than presenting their works in vernacular language (Malay language). Translation, specifically in English, does not play important role in Malay literature. Malay English novels can assist the circulation of Malay Literature around the world, yet it may also reduce the appreciation for Malay language itself. This paper aims to discuss Malay literature dilemma in using English as the vernacular language in novels or using English as the bridge for bringing Malay culture into World Literature. Keywords: English Translation novels, Malay literature, vernacular language, translation, World Literature

have tendency to write in English or in other INTRODUCTION words it can be said that English has become As lingua franca, English is not only the vernacular language in recent Malay used for the direct communication only. In literature. literature, as it is defined as the written and Translation, especially in English printed text, English also has the important language, has been the important key to role. The role of English in literature can be spread literary works globally. It is by a seen from its emergences in many literary reason for the translation to produce the works. As the international language, English second text in using English. The common is commonly used and understood by many reason is that the language is mastered people. In the relation to literature, English globally. However, English is not simply a appears as the common language used by default language used in communication. It is many writers in their writing. Besides the used as global language because it is using of English in direct writing, English is culturally regarded as the appropriate also used as the tools for translating many language for certain communicative context. 1 minor literary works. Minor literary works Thus, the use of English is seen to have which are written in certain vernacular specific purpose whether to deliver daily language can be read by readers from all conversation, build business or even to over the world by the use of English present certain custom and value to others. It language. The translation of literary works is in literature where English is used as the through English as the common language; media to introduce and even transfer the therefore some other languages such as value. French and Spanish are used also for However, the use of English as translation verse, can help the circulation for common second language has brought minor literature to get acknowledgement and dilemma through the development of wider readers globally. However, In Malay vernacular language. Global trends influence literature, there is the decline in English translation novels and many of Malay writers

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 people mindset to pick and use English more reason for the lack of translated text, as than their vernacular one. The demand for stated by G. C Kalmann: the globalization has contributed the rapid the lack of translation may be a development of English, as it is proposed by significant absence. It may be Well: asked why this or that work is not One of the anticipated translated; is it just ignored, or are achievements of the twenty first there specific reasons`' The century was the rapid diffusion reasons may be of an ideological, of Basic English as lingua franca political, linguistic or some other of the world and even more nature. Sometimes it is argued, rapid modification, expansion for instance, that certain texts are and spread of English in its 'untranslatable'. It may be wake…It was made the official assumed that there are certain medium of communication conventions specific to a given throughout the world by the Air period and a given community and Sea control, and by 2020 which govern those judgments.3 there was hardly anyone in the world who could not talk and Classical Malay literature is stated as the understand it. 2 untranslatable one for linguistic reason. The limited diction of English words has made So, it cannot be denied that people will be classic Malay literature belongs to the accustomed to live with English as the national literature only, never be known in language in communication. Thus, in Malay global context. literature also this condition happens while In time, English language has English is even used greatly as the unity for developed widely in Malaysia. As the second multicultural society. The modern writers language, schools use English as directly put English into their writings so other communication tools. The development of people from other countries that live in Malay this English has effect to the emergence of can understand and enjoy their writing. many writers who have good skill in English In Malaysia, English has become the writing. The use of English continuity has second language used in society. It appears made many writers to be accustomed to the in many aspects such as education, pattern of English language. It is not like the government, daily used and also in literature. classic period where there is still limitation in The use of English in Malay literature is mastering the grammar of English language. begun in 1940. For the first time, Malay Malay writers and authors even produce their literature uses its vernacular language in literary works, such novels and short stories, literary works. Malayan language is still the directly in English language. Thus, the term common language used by writers in early for Malay English novels has come to the period. Most of the stories of old period is told surface. and retold by the tale-tellers. The classic The emergences of Malay English Malay literature has a lack of translation novels indirectly replace the position of because there is the limitation of English translation. The ability of Malay authors to words in translating certain Malay language, write their works in English has made them to such as maka, hatta , etc. As the translation use English as the vernacular language in the has close relation to fidelity, this classic novels. The emergences of this writer can Malay literature remains untranslated. This influence the development of national case happens in the old period where the literature. However, writing which is written in translation is still regarded as the English will indirectly be seen as the product representative of the original which may of international literature. While the readers appear as the literally translation or word by find a novel with the English title, the novel word translation. This condition relates to the

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 will be regarded as western product. Readers Malay literature is translated into English. So will have less attention to the background of far, traditional Malay literature has less the value which is stated in the novel. translation form. Yet, this does not decline the Therefore, in translation, the works primarily acknowledgement of Malay literature, belongs to national literature first. It enriches especially among the Southeast Asia. As a the national literature from two sides, from part of Malayan, Malay literature takes becoming the national treasure with its important part in introducing the Malayan vernacular language and becoming the culture. The influence of Indian and Persian treasures for world literature for its translation culture has constructed the literary form of form. Thus, the dilemma happens in Malay traditional Malay literature, and English literature in which the increasing of Malay language is used as one tools for assisting English novels defeat the translation text the recognition of the works. The following which may be defined as the decline of Malay discussion will be shown the development of national literature. traditional Malay literature and how far English is taken into the tools in translation. An Overview to the Development of English Language in Traditional Malay The Emergence of Early Translation in Literature The development of Malay literature is Malay Literature influenced much by the adaptation and translation. For the traditional Malay English is the first language used in literature, it is influenced by the Indian culture translation of Malay literature. It is started by and also Sufi. The assimilation of two cultures the coming of colonialism in 19 th century. in literary realm is important to determine British Empire builds their governance in Malay national literature. India does not only Malaysia. The increase of government bring the influence for the adaptation but also service, trading and commerce, have made in form of translated works into Malay English to be used as the common language language. Thus, this kind of translation from between British and Malay. British also other languages into Malay will sign the introduce English through education. Around existence of Malay national literature. that time, school is not only available in Besides that, the role of colonialism also vernacular language, but also in English. The assists the translation of traditional Malay teacher and student will use English as the literature. Therefore, the translation of main language. This kind of school has traditional Malay literature has not been prestigious position because the students can famous yet. There are actually many valuable be considered to get position in important civil discussions for the development of Malay service posts in the government if they get literature. National Malay literature has good level in mastering English at school.4 variety in its forms and also themes. The However, not all of the citizen can join British entering of other cultures also contributes the school because it is located in town and it has development of Malay literature. Meanwhile, high tuition fees. This may be one reference some problems and issues behind the for the case of lack translation of traditional translation process impact the declining of literature since the use of English at that time translation toward national Malay literature. is for the capitalist reason, to provide Thus, the translation is no longer regarded as education and take the students as a part of the tools for circulating national literature. colonial family. There will be no attention to Furthermore, English language has the literature because it may be seen as less also entered Malaysia since 19 th century. It is important to the development of British started by the coming of British Empire who is Empire. The focus for trading and finding gold in the business for looking gold, glory and and glory has made literature become gospel to the Southeast Asia, including minority. Malaysia. This condition then influences the Moreover, the independence of development of English as the second Malaysia has contributed the spread of language in Malaysia. In literature, English also takes a part in which some old traditional

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019

English in many sectors of life. There is Malay. These translated texts are not only significant condition where English is spread produced by Malay people, but also by the through the role of mass media. The Western. The English novels that are development of modern era also provides translated into Malay by Dutch translator are advanced tools, such as television, theatre Robinson Crusoe (Hikajat Robinson and radio to perform English as the language Crusoe(1875)) and Sindbad (1876). There is used in every performance. According to the such kind of trust from Malay people to allow Platt and Weber’s argument, the trend wave English texts to be translated and adapted of English films is the crucial factor to into their literature. There are many other determine the spread of English language in languages or literature that can be used as Malaysia. 5 People in Malaysia get many the translated one, such as Chinese texts chances to pick the language through the which may also comes to Malay from the English movie and use it in daily use. This influence of its neighborhood, Singapore. trend may determine the tendency for many However, English texts are still the main writers to use English as the vernacular choice. According to Tzu You, the best language in writing since it has adhered to translation from Western into Malay their culture and custom. compared to Chinese into Malay is caused by In Malaysia, the use of English has the very talented translators who learn variation domain; whether in law, education, Western education directly. 6 So, English tourism, business and also translation. language really constructs people’s English becomes second language used perspective to see it as the important and since Malaysia has multicultural society. worthy language. There are many immigrants from Asean country, such as Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc. For this Early Malay Literature in English multiethnic variation, English is chosen as the Translation Verse bridge for communication. It is also in case of Early and traditional Malay literature English as the international language both come to the two forms, oral and written understood by many countries. English is text. In the form of oral literature, the story is used to spread information, knowledge and about fable and also fairy tale. In written variety of messages into the public. Thus, the literature, Malay performs many hikayat, use of English becomes crucial in Malay syair, pantun, and songs. The theme and society. content derive from Sufism and Indian In literature, English also takes a role. impact, yet Malay still keeps their culture However, the use of English in early literature inside. The translation from earlier Malay has contrast to the expectation that it will be literature is less found and published in used to translate Malay texts into English, so common. It remains as the national literary Malay literature can be recognized in other text which may be used in certain condition, regions. In fact, the ability in using English is for instance in form of literature research. It is used by many translators to translate many not like other traditional literature which is English texts into Malay language. The published nationally and even globally, such scholars, students, and also translators who as The Tale of Genji, Gilgamesh, possess good ability in English have Shakespeare , etc. Syair, hikayat, pantun and tendency to translate English novel into their songs in Malay literature have unique form vernacular language that is Malay language. and lines. This can be one reason for the This is quite miserable because it does not translators to have some difficulties to do the open the gate for the emergences of original translation for Malay writings. Moreover, the Malay texts. The translated text from English translation verse that is produced for Malay into Malay is more to the adaptation process. out looked is quite difficult to be done. The It may enrich literary works, add many kinds diction of English words that describes the of Malay stories, but it cannot present the originality of Malaysia is seen as the original culture and idea from the native of significant point in the earlier literature. For

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 instance, the sentences “Antara Laut Pantai Abdullah) is recognized as the father of Remis, Pasir-nya bagai santan di-ramas” (this modern Malay literature. He is regarded as is 18 th century Perak court poet’s vignettes of the most cultured Malay and the innovator of coastal bays) is translated into “The sands at Malay letter. The most important work from Cockle-shell Strand were white as milk Abdullah is Hikayat Abdullah (1849), Kisah squeezed from a coconut”. 7 The delineation Pelayaran Abdullah ke , and Kisah of sands which is as white as coconut milk is Pelayaran Abdullah ke Mekkah (1854). regarded less poetical. Therefore, this closely Hikayat Abdullah is a kind of simple writing relates to Malay outlook of nature, the and it also presents the contemporary style. coconut trees along the shore. It is more The story is about the autobiography of cultural to define sand as white as coconut Abdullah and absolutely performs the milk rather than using the word of snow or language that relates to the daily use or the swan. For this certain diction, it determines common diction. The story is more realistic the less translation of traditional Malay too. That is why Abdullah is regarded as the literature. The original culture and nature of inventor of modern Malay literature. Some Malaysia are seemingly important in order to Abdullah's works are translated into English present Malay literature as the representative by many translators, such as Rev. B. P. of Malay tradition and value. Keasberry ‘The Journal of a Voyage from So, translation process in Malay Singapore to Kelantan' (included in Vol. I: 1 of literature has actually begun for long time the Journal of Eastern Asia in 1875), J. T. ago. Therefore, in the traditional writing, Thompson's Translations from the Hikayat translation is still focused on the diction that Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir, Munshi (published represents the nature of Malay culture. This in 1874 in London). Abdullah Hussain is also can be such kind of inhibitor from the recognized as the best writer of Malay. He translator to do translation. It is in sorrowful was awarded many times for his contribution condition then while translator is brave to in writing. Some of his famous writings are translate English into Malay language. This is Binti Penghulu, Harta dan Jodoh Menanti di the dilemma in which Malay literature has rich England, Kasih Isteri , and Dia…Kekasihku . literary works; it comes mostly from These writings are published in ‘Sahabat’ adaptation process and is circulated magazine. , as the woman nationally, rather than having their original writer also gets recognition for her fiction works to be translated and recognized writing. She is the leader of the Malay fiction globally. writings. She writes many short stories (such as Kerana Adik, Hari Pesta ) and also novels Translation in Modern Malay Literature (Ombak Bukan Biru (1977), Kepulangan Translation texts from Malay into (1980)). Her short stories are even circulated English start to develop seriously in modern in Singapore through ‘Mutiara’ magazine. Malay literature. Some of Malay writers have Based on the previous fact that many written their works in Malay, shown the writers have written best works yet it is still in modern style of Malay literature. The writers national circulation, the role of translation such as Abdullah Abdul Kadir, Abdullah becomes important to take control for the Hussain, and Fatimah Busu are the famous increase of Malay literature circulation. The writers from Malay. Hussain ever got South perspective of translation should be changed East Asian (SEA) Write Award for his from the old mindset. It is not like the writings. Therefore, the writings of those condition of traditional literature which always famous writers have not been translated into has adhered to the metaphrase (word for English. They are circulated as the national word) process. Nowadays, the concept of literature only. This is very sorrowful indeed reading in translation should be in form of because most of them are being famous in reading new text from the process of presenting Malay culture, criticize Malay paraphrase yet the coherence to the original government, and raise the issue in Malay content and concept should be kept in exist. tradition. Abdullah Abdul Kadir (Munshi There should be no more doubt to translate a text by doing paraphrase as long as the meaning is still the same. The use of footnote

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 as the additional explanation for some is The Whole Day (won Hopwood Novel traditional words can be the option too. A well Award), and her short story is “Our House done free translation is the translation that Stands in a City of Flower” ( won has its own integrity and it may succeed with Hyphen Asian American Short Story Contest readers by fitting in with their literary taste. 8 It or the Asian American Writers' Workshop in cannot be denied that the translator has to 2007). Dina Zaman, she writes series of short have both literary and moral responsibility to stories, “King of the Sea” (Silverfish Books, the translation. 9 So, it is to say that translation 2012) and also non- fiction book entitle Holy must gratify both the readers and also the Men, Holy Women . original texts. The use of English as vernacular Besides some writings that have not language in Malay literature is seen as the been translated into English, Malay literature way to build more relation between Malay also has some writings that have already and global world. This is also as the effect of been translated into English. Khadijah constant relation between British and Malay Hashim and Siti Zainon Ismail are the well region. The rapid development in using known writers whose writings have been English is influenced by the high growth of translated into English and circulated globally. British and Malay relation in education. There Khadijah’s first novel, Badai Semalam (1968) are many Malay students who study abroad can be grouped into canon Malay because it and learn English as the international has been used as text book in Malaysia and language and finally being accustomed to the Singapore. This novel is also translated into use of it as the vernacular language in daily English, Storms of Yesterday (1991) by use. Mahani Abdul Hamid and even in Spanish, Tormentos del Ayer (2010) by Alberto Balanza and Yahia. Her children’s story book Translated or Not To Be Translated series such as "Siri Lagenda", "Siri Aura dan The fact that there is the decline of Fauna" and "Siri Teladan dari Rimba" have translation in Malay literature can be been translated into English by the Institut 10 described based on several reasons bellow: Terjemahan Negara Malaysia (2009). Siti Zainon Ismail is also recognized by her English translation poetry and novel, such as Translation and Business of Publishing “The Moon is a Candle” (1952), Pulau Renek Ungu (The Island of the Purple Crocus It is not an easy way to deal with (1995)) , Bait Senandung Malam: Dari Stesan translation process because there will be ke Stesen (The Rhythm of Night Songs: From several considerations that should be taken in Station to Station (2009)). order to make the translation process and circulation is successful. Dessauer proposed The Use of English as Vernacular that books are vehicles of ideas, instruments Language in Modern Malay Literature of education, vessels of' literature, and sources of entertainment, yet the task of Instead of doing translation, the bringing them into existence and of purveying tendency to use English directly as the them to their readers is a commercial one language in novels has been done by many requiring all the resources and skill of the modern Malay writers and authors. The manager and entrepreneur. 11 Translation is native Malay writers such as Rani Manicka, one part of business too in which the Preeta Samarasan, and Dina Zaman write consideration of target market and also their works in English. Rani’s novel are The readers are the important factor in circulating Rice Mother (winning SEA Award ), Touching the works. As Susan Basnett mentions that Heart (2005), and The Japanese Lover there should be a need for research into the (2009). One of Preeta’s best novel is Evening area of 'translation and the market'. 12 By analyzing the target and also the market, the

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 process of translation can be done more translation verse will be available in limited effectively. works and of course it will decline the Moreover, the role of publisher is also translation verse of Malay literature. Thus, the important in producing a translation verse of minor writers and authors will have lack literary works. For many case, there is position in translation process and Malay tendency from the publisher to focus the authors have to increase the ability of their process of translation into small number writers to produce a very well writings. books which are likely to be best-sellers, and In case of audience, translation gets are extremely cautious about publishing decline because the absence for the books appealing to a minority.13 It can be audience or the readers. It is about the seen from Khadijah’s novel Badai Semalam limitation of readers who can understand (Storms of Yesterday) which has been English, as it is proposed by Mithchinson that translated into English because it has been the absence of audience refers to as the the canon (used as source text in school problem of 'the cultural insularity or little curriculum) in Malay literature. Here, the Englandism of the reading public’. 16 This translation holds the great role in presenting problem may appear as the problem for some the canon text and the publisher sees the big readers who still want to read in vernacular chance to circulate this valuable canon in language rather than English. Even though global world. English can be understood by many people, but to read in vernacular language still gives the easy access to understand the detail of Translation, the Author and the Audience the story. The development of translation All of the factors of translation above process is also affected by the authors. have made the emergences of translation Individual authors in any language will be verse to be fluid in practice. The accepted if their work is felt to be relevant consideration of market, author and audience and attractive enough to cross frontiers and really affect the decline and incline of barriers. 14 In case of Siti Zainon’s novel Pulau translation. In Malay literature, the translation Renek Ungu (The Island of the Purple verse is decline because the limited skillful Crocus) , she presents the story of her semi- author who can write outside the border and autobiography as the historical, mystery, provide the ‘sold’ writings. This will affect the travel and romance writings. It is attractive passion of publisher to take the writings into novel to be translated because it shows the translation. life of Malay woman in travelling and studying The decline of translation can affect abroad, brings the past experience of the emergence of Malay-English language. colonialism and also reflects the religion This can be defined from two different power of Malay people. It makes Zainon’s perspective indeed whether the emergence of novel is regarded to cross frontier and border Malay English novel is as the resistance for and worthy enough to be translated. the decline of translation or even the Malay Furthermore, the reputation of the authors English novel itself is the reason for the also determines the process of translation declining of translation novel. However, toward their writings. Schulte mentions that Malay English novel has impact to the they (publishers) will choose authors who circulation of Malay literature as world already have a visible reputation in their own literature. In fact, this novel makes Malay to country, have been translated before into be recognized in other countries. The role of English, and therefore constitute less of a English as the international English gives so commercial risk. 15 So, in Malay literature, the much advantage to attract the attention of the most translated writings are for the authors readers. So, the problem of translated or not who have been recognized as the famous to be translated is actually about the wise one in their country. For this condition, decision from Malay whether the literature will be kept in translation verse or be shifted into the Malay English form. There must be

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Lire Journal: Journal of Linguistics and Literature Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2019 balance between those forms because the translation is not a stable process translation may keep the existence of national because it needs some requirement and literature and Malay English novel can considerations. Another alternative such as provide the existence of Malay literature in the production of Malay English novels global world. emerges both as the rival and companion for translation. However, both the translation and CONCLUSION non translation writings brings the To keep literature as the national contribution to the circulation of Malay treasure is important. One way to keep it is by literature and it needs the balance in its writing literary works in vernacular language. production. This national treasure then can be circulated internationally by the use of translation. Yet,

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