Abstract
M.A.
The life and work of Oscar Wilde are characterised by ambivalence and paradox. In certain of his works he identifies with the moral codes pertaining to the Victorian era and in others he satirizes, and even rejects, the existing morality.
The translator of Wilde’s literary works is confronted with numerous contextual and textual challenges, for example how to translate the moral codes of the Victorian era in a manner that will be relevant to an Afrikaans readership and how to do justice to his specific style of writing.
This study aims to identify procedures and strategies to meet these challenges successfully. In the first instance, a translator needs to familiarize herself with the historical and cultural context in which Wilde’s literary works found their origin. This would necessitate a closer look at the Victorian era in order to understand the dynamics and the moral and ethical codes and dominant influences that shaped Wilde’s writings.
Finally, the target culture’s attitudes and feelings concerning the moral issues at stake are analysed to determine the impact and relevance of Wilde’s works in a contemporary Afrikaans society. Certain translation strategies, that also prove the timeless appeal of certain of his works, are suggested and demonstrated.
The translation of Wilde’s work appears to be justified as it may also enhance and benefit Afrikaans in its struggle for renewed recognition and identity and in so doing will further the cause of the other nine official languages.
The ultimate challenge for the translator, however, is to strive to capture the unique essence of Wilde’s works. The timeless appeal of his work can be attributed to the ‘multi-voicedness’ with which he challenged the Victorians. A successful translation in Afrikaans would therefore need to ‘translate’ this ‘multi-voicedness’ so that an Afrikaans reader is challenged in much the same way as his Victorian counterpart.