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And now translation tourism
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The bookshops in West Kochi abound in translations of popular Indian tales and Malayalam classics. PRATIMA ASHER, who browses through some of these shops, finds that these books have become a big hit with the tourists.
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Pic. by Mahesh Harilal
KRISHNA, MON fils, says Yashoda as she approaches her mischievous son. Both Krishna and Yashoda speak simple-to-grasp French. With art paper covers in bright colours and easy on the eye illustrations, this French comic book, though a trifle expensive for Indian pockets, is one of a series of matching, similarly illustrated books which retell well known and much loved Indian tales. You may also pick up a copy of Satyajit Ray's Feluda Stories in French.
Children's books form only a small part of the varied collection of foreign language books available at West Kochi bookshops frequented by the large number of visitors who come to this area.
French, German
"Most of the titles stocked are in French and German with more in the former language," says Sujit Kumar at one of the shops here. In their Fort Kochi shop, besides the English books, French, German, Italian, Spanish and sometimes Japanese titles are also available.
An unusual practice is followed here. Second hand books in foreign languages can also be picked up. A large box is kept in the shop where tourists may generally drop books, which they do not wish to keep anymore and they can pick up another book of their choice.
Exchange offer
"They can also," says Mr. Sujit Kumar, "exchange selected titles and choose from the regular collection in English in some cases."
Occasionally, interesting magazines may also be found in the box.
Not only does one find standard tourist fare such as guides in foreign languages, or coffee table volumes with lavish photographs that cover specifically Kerala or other Indian subjects but also translations of and original works in a foreign language. While volumes on Indian culture or history often find pride of place reflecting the mood of the shops, tucked away in the shelves are also foreign language works on the neighbouring countries or other places in Asia such as Indo-China.
Books by Pierre Loti seem to be a popular choice and can be found in the original French as well as in English translations.
Contemporary fiction in translation is represented by the likes of Amitav Ghosh, the Indo-English writer. Mr. Sujit Kumar remarks that one of the most popular titles is Gayatri Devi's work, `A Princess Remembers'.
While most of the shops stock the English book, both the French and German versions are in great demand. One can also find foreign language translations of Kerala's own literary luminaries.
Thakazhy's Chemmeen
Among the predominantly displayed works are Kamala Das's `L' histoire de ma Vie' and Thakazhi's `Chemeen' with the sub-title `Un amour Indien'. Besides these classics, which give the tourist a taste of Kerala's lively literary scene, there are also lesser-known titles in translation such as the work by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner, C. Radhakrishnan.
Obviously the titles displayed in these bookshops in West Kochi have been chosen with care. A tourist who enjoys reading will find that he can very often supplement his travel experiences with books of interest in his own language, right here!
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