Translation, especially poetry, is a demanding and intricate task that requires deep understanding, patience, and an appreciation of both languages involved. It is much more than a simple transfer of words from one language to another. Poetry is a reflection of emotions, culture, and personal expression, making the task of a translator even more complex. One must believe that translating poems is no easy feat, but despite the challenges, it can be a source of immense joy and intellectual fulfilment.
Translation can be likened to a game of chess, where each move requires thought, strategy, and vigilance. A chess player must consider every piece on the board—whether it's the pawn, knight, king, queen, or bishop—each with its unique role and movement. Similarly, a translator must navigate through words, phrases, and cultural nuances, ensuring that the essence of the original work is preserved while making it resonate in the target language. Each word, like a chess piece, carries weight and meaning, and one wrong move can change the entire flow and intent of the poem.
In 2009, I felt a strong urge to contribute to the field of literature, particularly in Balochi. This desire led me to immerse myself in the works of renowned Balochi poets such as Atta Shaad, Mullah Fazul, Bashir Bidar, Mubarak Qadhi, and Muneer Momen. My goal was to familiarise myself with the Balochi language and the poetic styles that were deeply rooted in its culture. Along with reading poetry, I began listening to classic Balochi music, including the timeless songs of Mulla Kamalan, Mohammed Jadok, Noor Mohammed Nooral, Arif, and Noor Khan Bizanjo. This journey was essential in helping me understand the linguistic and cultural layers of Balochi, which would eventually aid me in my translation work.
When I decided to translate the works of Mahmoud Darwish from Arabic to Balochi, I knew it was going to be a significant challenge. Mahmoud Darwish, a towering figure in Arabic literature, was not just a poet but a voice for the Palestinian people, expressing their struggles, hopes, and dreams through his words. His poems are rich with emotions, history, and political undertones. My task was to ensure that these elements were not lost in translation but rather felt just as strongly in Balochi as they were in Arabic.
The first step in my translation process was to deeply understand Mahmoud Darwish as a person and a poet. I read his biography thoroughly to grasp what drove him to write the way he did—his experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I needed to understand what made him such a profound voice in poetry. The second step involved studying the history of Palestine, the struggles of its people, and the sorrow and resilience that shaped Darwish’s writing. Without this knowledge, it would be impossible to convey the depth of his poetry in another language.
Throughout the process, I encountered several challenges. One major obstacle was the absence of proper guidance and resources in both Balochi and Arabic literary circles. Unlike more established languages, there wasn’t a structured literary society or community where I could seek help. I relied heavily on Arabic-to-Arabic and Arabic-to-English dictionaries, as well as YouTube videos of Darwish reciting his poems, to grasp the emotional tone and rhythm of his work.
What made this challenging journey easier was the unwavering support and encouragement I received from a few of my friends—Taj, Dr Hanif, and Manzoor. Their belief in the value of my work kept me motivated, as they saw this translation as a meaningful contribution to Balochi literature. Additionally, my wife and son stood by my side, especially during the late nights when I was deeply engrossed in translation work. Their presence provided me with the emotional strength I needed to persevere.
In the end, translating Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry into Balochi was not just a literary exercise; it was a deeply personal and fulfilling experience. It allowed me to bridge two cultures and share the beauty of Darwish’s words with a new audience, enriching the Balochi literary landscape. Through this process, I learned that while translation is indeed a challenging task, it is also one of the most rewarding endeavours a person can undertake in the field of literature.
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