Oral Tradition Into English Literature

The loss of meaning from the interpretation/translation process, and having the loss of medium from the in-person point of view, coincide together to create an overall all poor understanding for the true potential of the story.   After analyzing the data from the study, I concur that it produced a factual understanding about how there is no such thing as “equivalence” when translating words. Also, understanding concepts behind a tribal language, such as how their language is actively based, and how some words cannot be translated, polishes the point that translation is not merely original.  Looking at the aspect of medium loss, the different effects of reading a story in paper, as opposed to hearing it in its Native environment by a storyteller, is like night and day.  The experience of having a story presented by a storyteller, allows one to grasp a dimension of true “Nativeness” within that culture. Stories written in paper are full of unrealized potential.  Natives from tribes all over the United States express in their writings how they try to bring across their stories to the best of their ability; however the full effect of the story is impossible when dealing with literature.  Reading oral traditional stories are great ways to attempt to understand a particular culture.  Also, these writings can provide for interest or entertainment.  Finally, we need to realize and acknowledge that there is much meaning and depth that is lost, unknown, and sometimes forgotten.

Works Cited

Swann, Brian. Coming To Light. New York: A Division of Random House, INC., 1994

Bruchac, Joseph. Our Stories Remember. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 2003.

Armstrong, Jeannette. Looking at the Words of our people. Pentiction, BC: Theytus Books, 1993.

Pitts, Soni “The ABC’s Of A Great Life: “H” Is For Hozho.” The ABC’s Of A Great Life: “H” Is For Hozho. 24 Sep. 2004. EzineArticles.com. 21 Apr 2009

Iida, Atsushi. “Individual Differences in the Translation Process”. Translation Journal.  2007 .  20 April 2009.

Our Spirits Don’t Speak English: Indian Boarding School, Chip Richie. Riche-Heape Films INC., 2002.

Miller, Leanne. Personal Interview. 21 April, 2009