On 03.11.2023 (at 2.30 pm), the Department of Translation at Tamil University, Thanjavur, India, conducted a thought-provoking workshop on “Translation and Culture” at the Seminar Hall, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. The workshop aimed to explore the intricate relationship between translation and culture, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in preserving cultural nuances through translation. The workshop was chaired by Dr. S.K. Kannathas, Head, the Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna.

The welcome address was delivered by the Head of the Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna and following his address, Prof. (Dr.) C.Thiyagarajan, Registrar, Tamil University, Thanjavur, Prof. (Dr.).R. Kurinchiventhan, Dean Faculty of Developing Tamil and Dr.P.Elayapillai, Dean Faculty of Arts and Controller of the Examination at Tamil University, Thanjavur were honoured with Ponnadai Shawl and garland. Next, the guest- Registrar of Tamil University and Dean Faculty of Developing Tamil delivered their address. In the addresses, the importance of translation in the contemporary period was highlighted. The workshop brought together a diverse group of scholars, PhD research scholars and undergraduate students. Distinguished keynote speakers from Tamil University enriched the workshop with their profound insights and research in the domain of translation and culture.

 Dr.R.S Murugan, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Translation at Tamil University, shared his knowledge and experiences in the field of translation on the title “Cultural aspects between Indian and Sri Lankan Translations”, His speech was mainly focused on the origin of language, communication through body language, dialect, translation through word-for-word translation and sense-for-sense translation, similarities and difference between Sri Lankan Translation and Indian Translation. Following his lecture, the next lecture was delivered by Dr.B.Rajesh, Associate Professor, Department of Translation, Tamil University, Thanjavur on the title “The Tradition of Literary Translation”. He expressed the significant and rich exploration of the practice of translating Tamil literary works into English language and also expressed the significance of the existence of a well-established and enduring tradition of translation within the Tamil literary landscape using examples from famous works. Participants engaged in stimulating discussions, sharing their diverse perspectives and experiences, thereby fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insights. The workshop also highlighted the significance of fostering cultural awareness and sensitivity among translators. Finally, the workshop was wrapped up at 4.00 p.m.

The “Translation and Culture” workshop organized by the Department of Translation, Tamil University, in collaboration with the University of Jaffna, served as an insightful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between translation and cultural context. The event succeeded in highlighting the importance of preserving cultural integrity while ensuring effective communication across diverse linguistic boundaries.