Sol Plaatje’s Shakespeare : translation and transition to modernity
Doctoral Thesis
2005
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University of Cape Town
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This thesis examines Plaatje's two surviving translations of Shakespeare -- Diphoshophosho (The Comedy Errors) and Dintshontsho Tsa Bo-Juliuse Kesara (Julius Caesar). Translation is the major concept with which I approach the Plaatje-Shakespeare relationship. Adopting the notion of translation as transformation, the thesis illustrates how Plaatje appropriated, manipulated and adapted Shakespeare's dramas for his own social, political and cultural agenda. Largely, this agenda entails the preservation of Setswana language and culture, by recording and contextualising its proverbs, metaphors and vocabulary through an "appropriate orthography". These literary (linguistic schemes are part of Plaatje's major political ideal of a democratic, multi-cultural, and tolerant society. Modern South Africa is a fulfilment of Plaatje's vision. Despite Plaatje's noble aims, the power of these translations is yet to be fully explored by scholars and educators. The thesis concludes by asking whether these translations have a place within the general context of mother tongue education.
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Includes bibliographical references.
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Ndana, N. 2005. Sol Plaatje’s Shakespeare : translation and transition to modernity. University of Cape Town.