- Veteran translator Nishani Dissanayake on twenty years of translation
By Ravini Perera
Translations, best known for their undeniable ability to transport readers to a world of wonder otherwise obstructed by language, receive consistent adoration by booklovers. However, to get there, translators shoulder the burden of striking a fine balance between delivering a fair work of literature for the readers and preserving the original creation of the author.
With International Translation Day having fallen on 30 September, bringing the literary month to an end, Brunch spoke to veteran journalist and translator Nishani Dissanayake on her 20th translated publication and much more. The former editor of the Samudura newspaper and the provincial and foreign news editor to the Lakbima newspaper, Dissanayake is an acknowledged and invaluable member of the South Asian Women’s Network (SWAN).
Closing in on four decades of experience as a journalist, and with more than two decades of experience as a translator, her contribution to the world of literature and journalism has been well commended and recognised over the years. Dissanayake currently continues her work as a freelance journalist, opting to dedicate the majority of her time to translations.
20 translations on – ‘Under The Apple Tree’
Dissanayake shared with Brunch her excitement about the launch of her latest book, “Under the Apple Tree”, published by Pahan Publishers, sharing that Under the Apple Tree is a highly relatable book. “Every woman can relate to this book either partially or in its entirety. There is a piece for everyone here. This is also a type of book that encourages and motivates women to keep going and defy all odds,” she said.
Under the Apple Tree captures the real-life struggles leading up to the success story of the former beauty queen Rebecca Clark Brockway, penned in this autobiography. Her story is told through her child, detailing her childhood in an ordinary family in America, her failed marriage, and her experiences as a single mother to two daughters. Brockway takes her fans along on a journey where she navigates through her mental health battles, ultimately celebrating her triumphs and the strength of women.
Speaking on why Under the Apple Tree has inspired her so much, Dissanayake explained that the search for courage within oneself to thrive despite setbacks is what truly sets a woman apart from others, and this is the story the book tells. “It is when we read books such as these that we realise the magnitude of struggles women have and continue to face around the world. In comparison, our personal trials may seem insignificant,” Dissanayake said.
From among the many books that have been translated by Dissanayake, she went on to recognise this as one of her most favourite yet, and is in fact, the first autobiography she has translated. “No matter how many times I read this book, my curiosity has not diminished, it only grows.”
Twenty years and twenty books
Over the last 20 years, Dissanayake has never sidestepped an opportunity to bring forth an inspiring written work to her readers, juggling her numerous roles in life and dealing with the many curveballs life has thrown at her. She pays tribute to her career as a journalist, sharing that journalism is what has laid the foundation for her current success. Her enthusiasm, paired with her wide breadth of knowledge and meticulosity, is what makes Dissanayake a truly unique writer in Sri Lanka.
Kickstarting her journey as a translator in the year 2000, her first publication was a translation of a book by Edgar Rice Burroughs named “Tarzan and the Roman Soldiers” as “Tarzan Saha Roma Soldaduwo”. Thereafter, “The Mother” by W. Somerset Maugham as “Ammage Aadaraya”; “More Adventures on Willow Farm” and “The Children At Green Meadows” of Enid Blyton as “Willow Govipole Apuru Daruwo” and “Green Meadows Niwase Apuru Yahaluwo”, respectively; and then “The Witch’s Daughter” by Nina Bawden as “Maayaakaariyage Diyaniya”.
“Let’s get Invisible” was translated to Sinhala as “Kaluwara Anduna”, a creation of R. L. Stine; “House of Secrets” by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini as “Maayaa Mandiraya”; Lyn Gardner’s “Olivia’s First Term” and “Olivia Flies High” as “Olivia” (parts 1 and 2), respectively; and Cathy Cassidy’s “Dizzy” as “Dizzy” were some of her other translations.
Another all-time favourite of Dissanayake’s is the “Maldonado Miracle” by Theodore Taylor. Having been mesmerised by the movie, it was her own enthusiasm that led her to initiate and complete the translation of “Maldonado Pelahara”. Moreover, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott was published in a series of seven books named “Labandhi Soyuriyo” and “White Boots” of Noel Streatfeild as “Sudu Sapaththu”.
“I admire the creations of many authors, but cannot single out a person to favour,” she said. “The publisher, after acquiring the rights to a book, reaches out to translators for it to be translated. Although I mostly adhere to the choices of the publishers and their selection of books to translate, I occasionally voice my opinions within the selection process. Nonetheless, I take pride in my work and the success of these translations have brought me great joy.”
Dissanayake has always been keen on translating books of American and British authors, saying: “It is my personal preference to translate books of either British or American origin to Sinhala. I insist on referring my work to the original source rather than to a book that is a translation of the original.”
Clearly, she does not take her role as a translator lightly, and follows every precaution to do justice to the creator. “A bilingual with the ability to read both the English version followed by the Sinhala translation should receive the identical and unharmed plot encompassed in the original book in the translation too,” highlighted Dissanayake.
‘A beloved translator’ starter pack
As an avid reader from her early years, Dissanayake recognised the part her grandfather played, and said the teachers of her alma mater introduced her to the world of the written word. “I spent a great deal of time reading books by Enid Blyton as a small girl. I spent my childhood with my grandparents and my grandfather bought many books for me to read,” she stated.
Reminiscing on her school time memories as an old girl of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, she emphasised being encouraged by the unwavering support of her peers, teachers, and family. “My love for reading eventually evolved to be something greater, and I decided to try my hand at writing during my school years. My work, fuelled by my vivid imagination, was well received and appreciated amongst my close circle of friends and family.”
Being armed with a good comprehension of a foreign language and interpreting sentences in one’s native tongue alone does not build a successful translator. It is a learning process that all translators must be eager to embrace. Explaining this, Dissanayake said: “I never hesitate to research, nor do I shy away from seeking assistance in obtaining the accurate meanings of alien words I encounter while translating. It is these minute details that add more value to one’s work.”
When inquired about the secret to her success, Dissanayake went on to state that translations bring about a great deal of responsibility that one cannot evade. Hence, the manner in which translators embrace this obligation shall determine the success to follow. “It should not be about the money nor the rush to publish books. One must truly understand and interpret the storyline the original author has in his mind and positively refrain from contradicting it. Keep reading, keep practising, and enjoy your work,” she stated.
A piece of advice to novice translators
The readership of translations shows no signs of declining, with many people displaying interest in reading a well-translated book. Nonetheless, with an attempt to try their hand at translations, countless novices have entered the industry. With success written in the stars for some, others are yet to touch the hearts of the readers with the written word. Speaking further, Dissanayake explained the importance of reading from one’s childhood days to get a head start in this industry. Furthermore, one’s upbringing is also considered to be a contributing factor in her eyes.
“It is always amazing to see new talent. Follow your dreams, keep studying, and be attentive to your work. It is a great platform to educate yourself. Translations give both the readers and the translators wings to fly all around the world. Hence, once you start, there is no stopping you.”
Many possess a preconceived misconception that translating is the simple task of decoding a foreign language to a readable dialect. “Translating is the most difficult aspect of this undertaking. We are not interpreting our own ideologies but rather someone else’s. Hence, it is in the hands of the translator to ensure that the meaning is not derailed,” stated Dissanayake.
More to come
Speaking to Brunch on her plans for the future, Dissanayake confirmed that she hopes to launch more translations in the months to come. “I have already begun translating my 22nd book while my 21st book will be published in the near future,” she added.
When asked about the possibility of putting a pen to paper to create an original work surrounding her own experiences, Dissanayake said that she is currently putting all her focus into translations while balancing her personal life and career. However, she did say that launching her own book in the future is a strong possibility.
From translations of Enid Blyton to Rebecca Clark Brockway, Dissanayake has reached hundreds of readers over the years and is adored by fans of all ages. The feedback she has received from her onlookers, combined with the support of her close acquaintances, provides her with the motivation she needs to be a frontrunner in the industry. One of her favourite things is receiving reviews from her fans on her newest translation, encouraging all readers to take the chance to enjoy reading a written work they wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy.
