In an online event commemorating International Translation Day on September 30th, 2024, Dev Kumar Sunuwar, chairperson of Indigenous Television, Nepal, brought to light the ethical challenges associated with translating indigenous languages. The event, themed "Translation, an art worth protecting: Moral and Material rights for Indigenous Languages," was organized by the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and Translation Commons.
Sunuwar emphasized the rich cultural heritage embedded in Nepal's 124 languages, particularly the 95 spoken by the country's 60 recognized indigenous groups. He noted that many of these languages are primarily oral, carrying intricate knowledge systems, cosmologies, and identities that defy simple translation into written or foreign linguistic structures. The act of translating these languages, especially by individuals outside the indigenous communities, presents a significant risk of misinterpreting or distorting their cultural significance.
"These languages are tightly interwoven with storytelling rituals and social practices," Sunuwar explained, "forming the foundation of indigenous peoples' worldview." He cautioned against the potential for cultural appropriation, where researchers or organizations might document or translate indigenous languages without obtaining free, prior, and informed consent or providing fair compensation to the communities. Such actions can lead to the commodification of indigenous knowledge and the erosion of cultural identity.
Sunuwar cited instances of researchers and tourists utilizing indigenous symbols, stories, and names without understanding their meaning or seeking permission, leading to the detachment of these cultural elements from their original context. He also highlighted the prevalence of cultural performances in tourist areas, where indigenous dances and traditions are often showcased without the involvement or benefit of the communities themselves.
To address these concerns, Sunuwar called for the establishment of "ethical sovereignty," ensuring that indigenous communities are central to the processes of language documentation and translation. He stressed the need for ethical guidelines that grant indigenous communities control over how their languages are used and shared, while also addressing concerns related to data protection and intellectual property rights.
"Before any documentation or translation," Sunuwar asserted, "it is essential to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from the respective communities to ensure that their cultural sovereignty is respected and their knowledge is not misused." He urged translators and researchers to collaborate closely with indigenous community leaders and language speakers to guarantee accurate and respectful representations of their worldview.
Finally, Sunuwar advocated for the creation of a comprehensive ethical and legal framework to safeguard indigenous knowledge and data, including the development of collective intellectual property rights. He emphasized that indigenous communities should retain ownership over their linguistic and cultural data and have the right to determine how and where it is used.
Sunuwar's presentation served as a powerful reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding the translation of indigenous languages. It underscored the importance of respecting cultural context, obtaining consent, and ensuring that indigenous communities retain control over their invaluable linguistic heritage.