Translating Ikaino's Language? [Robert Fouser, Language of Society]

Linguist Robert Fouser delves into the intricate linguistic landscape of Won Soo-il's 2016 novel, 'Ikaino Tariryeong' (猪飼野打令). The novel is set in Ikaino, a district in Osaka with a long history of Korean settlement, particularly for immigrants from Jeju Island who arrived after the 1948 Jeju Uprising. Fouser notes that the novel's dialogue and narration are steeped in the Osaka dialect, but uniquely incorporates a significant number of Korean words, ranging from common expressions like 'aigoo' to more direct terms like 'jeongmal' (really) and 'michinnom' (crazy bastard). These Korean words are often accompanied by Japanese glosses in smaller print, creating a distinct visual and textual experience.

The author highlights the novel's use of 'Ikaino language,' a hybrid dialect characterized by its heavy reliance on Katakana script for foreign words and its blend of Japanese grammar with Korean vocabulary and even Jeju dialect forms like 'mat-su-da-ge' (that's right) and 'gomap-su-da' (thank you). This linguistic fusion presents a significant translation challenge. Fouser questions the feasibility of accurately translating such a text, especially when aiming to preserve the original's unique flavor and cultural context.

Translating the novel into Korean might seem simpler due to the presence of Korean words, but the nuances of the Osaka dialect remain a hurdle. While the 'fiery' nature of Osaka dialect might be approximated with a strong Busan dialect, Fouser suggests this might not fit the Jeju-centric community depicted. English translation poses even greater difficulties, lacking a direct equivalent dialect and the possibility of directly translating Korean words without losing their impact. Using colloquialisms might offer a partial solution, but the visual distinctiveness created by the extensive use of Katakana in the original is hard to replicate.

Ultimately, Fouser contemplates the very nature of literary translation. He suggests that instead of striving for an impossible perfect replication, translators should embrace the inherent limitations and engage in a creative act of re-creation. This perspective acknowledges that translation is not just about transferring meaning but about reimagining the work in a new linguistic and cultural context, a realization he rediscovered while reading 'Ikaino Tariryeong' during the summer.