Reclaiming Indigeneity: A Postcolonial Analysis of Emile Habibi’s The Pessoptimist in Translation

Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic and cultural markers of indigeneity in Emile Habibi’s The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist, a novel translated into more than 12 languages and gaining worldwide recognition. In spite of this recognition, the translation of this indigenous chef-d’oeuvre does not seem to mirror its deep-seated connection to its linguistic and cultural origin. The study, therefore, highlights a gap in the literature that Jayyusi and Le Gassick's English translation of The Pessoptimist has not been verified for its preservation or dilution of the original’s essence of indigeneity. This study utilizes a qualitative textual analysis methodology premised on postcolonial translation studies to examine the novel’s linguistic and cultural indigenous markers. It then looks into the translation of those markers, only to realize that the indigenous novel has been metamorphosed into a mere narrative overshadowed by the dominant culture. This deformation has not only diluted the novel’s indigenous essence but also created gaps in understanding the work’s cultural specificity and identity. By highlighting specific instances of such distortions, the study emphasizes the amount of loss incurred in such conventional translation practices. By presenting critical insights into the challenges facing the translation of indigenous literature, this study not only contributes to the broader field of translation studies but also calls for a retranslation of The Pessoptimist, one that aligns with its true indigenous origin.