Baloch Cultural Tradition in Selected Folktales: A Comparative Analysis of Native and Non-Native Transcreators

Abstract

Folktales, as stories in the oral tradition, have remained an essential genre in the folklore of all great civilizations of the past. Balochi folktales are the foundation of their culture, history, and practices. This paper aims to analyze how native and non-native transcreators have depicted Baloch cultural tradition in the selected folktales transcreated in English. For this study five books of Balochi folklore with translations in English were chosen. The study draws upon McNeill's (2013) cultural tradition theory, serving as a macro-level framework for the analysis of selected folktales. Additionally, Dell Hymes' sociolinguistics method of S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G (Hymes, 1972, 1974, 1989, 1996, 2003, 2004) has been employed to acquire micro-level tools for the analysis of the transcreated Balochi folktales. The primary objective of this study is to explore how significant cultural norms within the Baloch community, have been portrayed in English translations of Balochi folktales. It encompasses an analysis of key tribal codes among the Baloch, including Bahoot, Haal, Misthaagi, Meid, the status of women, vows, bier, Shigaan, Lajjo Mayar, Mehr, and war ethics, as identified by Dashti (2019). The analysis has shown that Baloch cultural traditions within the selected Balochi folktales underscore distinctions between native and non-native transcreators. Both natives and non-natives have depicted these traditions, but native transcreators offer a more nuanced and culturally authentic representation. Moreover, using Dell Hymes' sociolinguistics method of S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G in the collections of tales has reinforced the argument that the collectors had different motivations while collecting and translating these tales, presenting a specific image of Baloch to their intended audience.