Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture Studies

Aims: This study examines the intricacies involved in translating Kom birth songs (Njang wayn) into English and whether the translated version can be sung using the Kom traditional air and if they reflect the same linguistic and cultural value of the source culture and whether non-indigenes can understand what is translated and sung.  

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kom during birth and wedding ceremonies as research for the Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters at the University of Buea from January to July 2011.

Methodology: The study used a qualitative analysis. Ten original birth songs were recorded, transcribed, translated (gloss and meaningful), analyzed and classified according to sociolinguistic features, literary devices and themes. This study also employed some translation theories like skopos and sociolinguistic to facilitate the rendition of tonal devices, musicality and cultural values while preserving the original local color and flavor.

Results: It revealed that the translation of birth songs is possible and they can be successfully sung in the traditional Kom air. It revealed that birth songs are artistic productions rich in cultural substance, sociolinguistic traits, themes and literary devices that pose translation problems when trying to maintain their original local color and flavor. Through translation, oral traditions can be culturally retained and disseminated globally.

Conclusion: It concludes that translated birth songs can be sung and can be culturally preserved and disseminated globally.