ABSTRACTS: This week's seminar on Goan writing in English (Sept 9-10, 2014)
Frederick FN Noronha * फ्रेड्रिक नोरोन्या * فريدريك نورونيا
Received via Prof Kiran Budkuley. More details of the seminar posted to Goa Book Club earlier. --FN
ABSTRACT-1
Assessing ‘Freedom’ through the Thematic Parameters of Loss and Longing: Lambert Mascarenhas’ Sorrowing Lies My Land
Sunita Mesquita*
History tells us much about a land and its culture. Goa too has its own story of blood and sweat shed for its Motherland. Against this historical past, Goa’s literary history finds particular representation in Sorrowing lies My Land by Lambert Mascarenhas published in 1955. Lambert Mascarenhas(1914- ) a professional journalist was first noticed by the literary world for his Sorrowing lies My Land and received much acclaim thereafter. This publication gained greater coverage and national significance with it being translated into Marathi, Telugu and Konkani. Mascarenhas has to his credit a play titled The Greater Tragedy (1988) and a collection of short stories In The Womb of Saudade (1997).
Sorrowing lies My Land projects life in Goa towards the end of the four hundred and fifty long years of Portuguese colonial rule. Against a 1910 -1950 time span, the novel goes back in time when Goa was a Portuguese colony and Goans suffered silently after their civil liberties were curbed. The people were denied freedom of the press, speech and assembly. Those who protested were punished and imprisoned. Setting in slowly, Goans were stirred with a revolutionary fervor against the dictatorial Portuguese regime which begins to take new shape and direction.
The novel written in two parts is based on the protagonist Tobias Costa and his family living in the fictitious village of Copena. As a colonial discourse on Goa’s historical fight for political freedom from the Portuguese colonizers, the paper explores the dynamics of freedom essayed through Tobias the ‘bhatcar’, who is torn between a gradual loss of a disintegrating family and a longing for a land free from foreign rule. Drawing upon individual and collective parameters, the ‘loss of freedom’ and the ‘longing for freedom’ emerge as significant to the core issue of a land that lies sorrowing in the hope of freedom.
*Ms. Sunita Mesquita is Head, Department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa-Goa.
ABSTRACT-2
Colonial Ideology, Colonized Psyche and Goan Identity: Deconstructing Denationalization and Critiquing Nationalism through Sorrowing Lies My Land
Akshata Bhatt*
Satellite topography of the world history of colonization will show that the colonial experience of Goa has been a unique one. The prolonged Portuguese colonial rule had imposed itself not only on the land of Goa but also on the psyche of the natives creating labyrinthine patterns of ‘colonized’ consciousness. This imposition, one will observe on close scrutiny of the process of Portuguese colonization of Goa, was achieved more through consent rather than coercion. Some scholars claim that this process was fuelled by an ideological de-nationalization of the Goan people(s) by a systematic process of ‘distorting, disfiguring and destroying’ their past and re-presentation of a past constructed to hegemonic colonial discourse. “One of the strongest foci of resistance to imperial control in colonial societies,” claimed the editors of the Postcolonial Reader, “has been the idea of ‘nation’.” The process of forming this ‘idea’ of a ‘nation’ is at once reconstructive as well as deconstructive. As a text engaged in presenting the distinct colonial experience of a divided Goan society, Lambert Mascarenhas’ Sorrowing Lies My Land inevitably engages itself in the deconstruction of the subtle process of denationalization of Goan people reinforcing the view that liberation of the Goan land will be achieved only through liberation from the colonized psyche, which, in turn, will be realized through ‘nationalisation’ and a methodical reclamation of a past free from hegemonic representations and interpretations. Working from the base-line established by theorists such as Frantz Fanon, Benedict Anderson and more pertinently (in the context of this text) by T. B. Cunha, this paper seeks to analyze the postcolonial concept of ‘nationalism’ and ‘nationalisation’ as represented in the novel with an endeavour of critiquing theoretic perspectives and textual perceptions that have contributed in the shaping of a complex Goan identity.
*Ms. Akshata Bhatt, Assistant Professor at Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Panaji Goa. Also,she is a Research Scholar at Department of English, Goa University.
ABSTRACT-3: Ibha Gupta
ABSTRACT-4
Anti-colonial sentiments in Lambert Mascarenhas’ novel Sorrowing Lies my Land
M. Shanthi & Lizella Gonsalves*
Post-colonial Literature forms the basis of a lot of discussion and studies, therefore a look into the past or the history of Colonization rendered through literary works would help facilitate better understanding of the whole gamut of Colonization. This paper tries to explore the impact of Portuguese Colonial rule in Goa and thus the anti-colonial sentiments expressed through the authorial voice in the novel, Sorrowing Lies my Land.
Published in 1955, before the Liberation of Goa, the novel focuses on the theme of freedom, the yearning of the writer to see his motherland free from the rule of the Portuguese. In the backdrop of the seemingly quiet Goan village life, on one side we find the seeds of Nationalism taking root and on the other side, the shrivelling of relationships due to divided loyalties. So, the clash of anti colonial sentiments with those of the supporters of the Colonizers is but inevitable. This clash of ideas and loyalties leads to break up of family ties which add poignancy to the novel.
The paper highlights Mascarenhas’ depiction of the Goan life; the happy co-existence of communities and, Goa as an apparent safe haven for all but the shadow of the Colonizers looms over the life of the people and they can never be truly happy on their own land until they are free from the Rulers. The cruelty of the Colonizers and the impact of Colonization on the life and mind of the people resulting in the swaying sentiment of the Goans themselves (for and against the colonizers)-the result of mental colonization and the search for identity also forms the basis of discussion, as well as, the expansion of the ideas of Patriotism and Nationalism in the context of the novel. The Concepts of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are not mere abstract notions but form the very basis of our existence. The freedom to speak without inhibitions; equal opportunities for all; the freedom to form our own Government no matter how questionable that may be and above all the inherent desire of all living beings to live a free and happy life is the message that echoes in the novel.
Key words: Colonization, Patriotism, Nationalism, Concept of Freedom, Goan sentiments and Conflict of loyalties.
*Ms. M. Shanthi & Ms. Lizella Gonsalves are teaching English at DM’s College, Mapusa, Goa
ABSTRACT-5
Heartbreak Passage: Partition as a metaphor
Isabel Santa Rita Vas*
The title of Lambert Mascarenhas' novel Heartbreak Passage offers some indication of the themes that engage the author. To the eyes of a writer like Mascarenhas, who has lived through a whole century, the chaos of Partition has certainly been seen replicated the world over in many other guises and disguises. In this, his latest novel, Partition becomes a metaphor for a passage from social and personal heartbreak to a commitment to a more sane and harmonious existence.
Suffering of cataclysmic proportions may entrench persons and societies in escapism or hopelessness. But a creative passage inevitably demands resilience and optimism, that demons be confronted and engaged with. Reminiscent of Ibsen's protagonist Dr. Thomas Stockman in Enemy of the People, Ram Attappa, the idealistic young citizen of free India refuses to be bowed down in the face of personal suffering or social upheaval. The travails of Partition have served to alert him to the dangers of corrosive ideologies that may keep raising their ghastly heads.
*Dr. Isabel Santa Rita Vas is the former Head of English Department of Dhempe College of Arts & Science. isabe...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-6
Historical Context of ‘Heartbreak Passage’ by Lambert Mascarenhas
Tanvi Bambolkar*
‘Sorrowing Lies My Land’ by Lambert Mascarenhas is the novel that gave the author an identity across the globe. The fervor of patriotism and the love for his homeland Goa that Mascarenhas brought through this particular work has made critics identify him with the land he belongs to, whereas, ‘Heartbreak Passage’, published in the year 2009 is a work by the author that crosses the boundary of Goa to speak about the whole nation and the major event like freedom struggle of India.
‘Heartbreak Passage’ is a story of a young boy named Ram Atttappa from a small village near Hubli from Karnataka and how his life changes as he discovers the other side of the nation in a big city like Mumbai where he comes to pursue his higher education. It is a tale of a farmer’s son who later becomes a tutor of children of a divorced lady in Mumbai and simultaneously takes part in the activities of freedom struggle of India.
The focus of the novel is about the journey of his life, his love, his family and his past. But, at the same time the author has touched upon the journey of the nation India trying to get rid of the foreign rule till getting the much needed and much awaited independence.
The proposed paper will try to trace the historical context of the novel in which it has been conceived. There will be an attempt to show how Mascarenhas has brought out the significance of historical events in the lives of his characters who are ordinary people. It will also try to show how the author has intermingled the various historical events in his story to make it realistic and faithful to the actual history.
*Ms.Tanvi Bambolkar, Bandora Ponda, Goa. tbamb...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-7
Nostalgic Vignettes of Goan Life:
An Appreciation of In the Womb of Saudade by Lambert Mascarenhas.
Prema Rocha*
Lambert Mascarenhas has received acclaim for his novels, namely Sorrowing Lies My Land which has been hailed as his counter discourse to the coloniser. This paper seeks to appraise his short stories titled In the Womb of Saudade. Published in 1994, the short stories are located mainly in Goa even as they negotiate political ideology, pathos, and love with gentleness and a touch of humour. Written in a simple, natural style, an inclusive approach, an eye for detail, and illustrated by cartoonist Mario Miranda; the evocation of a land and its people is considered in these stories spanning pre-liberation Goa to a Goa that is timeless.
*Dr. Prema Rocha, Assistant Professor at St. Xaviers College, Mapusa Goa. prema...@hotmail.com
ABSTRACT-8
Mimesis and Catharsis: the Rendering of Reality to Shape Ideology
in In the Womb of Saudade
Nafisa Oliveira*
Mimesis and Catharsis are concepts that have existed for a long time in the realm of literature and still influence the works of present literary critics and theorists. This paper seeks to explore the significance of mimesis and catharsis in Lambert Mascarenhas’ In the Womb of Saudade. Subsequently, it endeavours to display their ability to allow the work to communicate an ideology to the reader. The analysis at hand relies on the views put forth by ancient theorists as well as modern western theorists stressing on mimesis as a representation of reality; and the reading of catharsis as self-realisation. The paper essentially attempts to reveal the deeper meaning behind an ostensibly simple work, which positively influences the mind of a reader.
*Ms. Nafisa Oliveira is studying Law, and teaches English at CES College, Cuncolim, Goa. nas...@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT-9
Encountering Goan writing in English: perils, pitfalls and potential
Frederick Noronha*
In times when the existence of the category of "Goan writing" has itself been doubted, the student of the same encounters a number of challenges in working on its many strands. From a lack of awareness of the field, to difficulties in accessing texts, to the scattered nature of its centres of creation, these are only some of the challenges faced. But as the world gets more networked, there are new potentials unfolding. This paper will look at what Goan writing in English meant in the 1980s and how it has evolved since, and in parallel also narrate some experiences of its writer in encountering GWE (Goan Writing in English) as a student three decades ago and his continuing fascination with the field.
* Mr. Frederick Noronha, Research Scholar at Department of English, Goa University, an independent and online journalist, and an alternative book publisher. 9822122436, frederic...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-10
Thinking Goa Postcolonially: A Small Place of Different Worlds
R. Benedito Ferrão*
This paper proposes that critical engagement with Goan literature from a postcolonial viewpoint requires an understanding of Goa’s multiplicity. While primarily focusing on literary production in English, this paper contends that Goa’s multiple worlds are to be found in its peoples of the homeland and diaspora, in its multiple language and language scripts, as also its place in world history.
In African Independence from Francophone and Anglophone Voices, Clara Tsabedze appeals for “[f]urther comparative studies focussing on the development of literature in those countries that have followed different paths to independence, for example the lusophone nations of Africa (Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Sao Tomé)”. What Tsabedze alludes to in calling for more complexity in the study of the literary traditions of Luso-Africa, and especially in reference to decolonisation, is the necessity to move away from the overdependence on Anglo-centrism in postcolonial thought. Where Goa invigorates the field is not only because of Portuguese colonialism but, through that avenue, its connection with Africa, for instance. Undoubtedly, British colonisation also connects South Asia and Africa, but not only does Goa provide a vantage point from which an Afro-Asiatic post/colonial nexus might be gauged, but also associations between colonialisms because Goa occupied a liminal position between the Portuguese and British empires.
Finally, this paper will seek to examine the contemporary critical reception of Goan literature while pointing to avenues of study that might expand the field, especially with a view to incorporating perspectives on gender, linguistic histories, and multicultural difference.
*Dr. R. Benedito Ferrão, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, the College of William and Mary (Asian and Middle Eastern Studies). 12c...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-11
Binding the Evanescent: Goan Theatre in English
Brian Mendonça*
A serious study of Goan drama as a genre of literature in English is sadly lacking. Goa has made a name for itself in the tiatr in Konkani and the khell in Marathi but English is a poor cousin. This seems to be because of the paucity of Goan playwrights writing in English and secondly owing to the pathetic patronage given to it by the Goan English-speaking public. While this is a malaise which is not peculiar to Goa alone it is useful to dwell on this lacunae and whether the situation can be remedied.
A singular effort in this direction is the mission of Goan playwright Isabel de Santa Rita Vas and founder-member of the Mustard Seed Art Company – an amateur theatre group – more than 25 years ago. Over the years the company has staged 55 plays with Ms. Vas having written more than 27. Hers is the voice of the conscience of Goa reminding us of our traditions our literary heritage and the necessity to hope. Deftly staying away from the risqué which plagues much English theatre, hers is a refreshing take on contemporary Goa performed in a language simple and heart-warming. The fusion of Portuguese, Marathi and Konkani in her plays gives them a local idiom. Like her Frescoes in the Womb (2012) the plays tap a racial memory which is evanescent and almost mythic. This paper aims to present her dramatic oeuvre and creative genius.
*Dr. Brian Mendonça, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, Goa 403 604. brian...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-12
Goa Articulated Through the Voice of the Subaltern in
Jess Fernandes’ Toddy Tapper and his Goa
Eltrin D’souza*
‘Toddy Tapper and his Goa’ is a well written piece of literary art that describes Goa in the past and in the present. It goes deep into the Goan history, Culture and traditions moving along with the myths of the times, societal issues and important events.
The voice of the subaltern is deeply dealt with. The traditional Toddy Tapers community and the Toddy tapping business dies a slow death. Similarly they also are victims of the humiliations from the upper caste and the privileged adding to their cause. Thus the community inorder to move above their social caste and to also rise above the poverty line take up white collar jobs and neglect the traditional business. Thus this paper tries to analyze the novel through the theoretical point of culture studies. It focuses on the authors forty two years of documentation of certain facts which he has brought alive in his book in a very artistic and creative way. The book serves as a perfect document to read the past and the present of Goa. This paper reads the community life of the Toddy Tappers and their articulation about Goa. Their customs, traditions and rituals which represent the whole of Goa and in turn tell the readers many things that have remained hidden before our eyes.
However the paper aims to get another book to the forefront of ‘Goan literature in English’ that has so much to tell about and every chapter opens with something new and distinct about Goa.
*Mr. Eltrin D’souza, presently working at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School as an English Teacher.
ABSTRACT-13: Dinesh Patel
ABSTRACT-14
Exploring the Presence of Cultural Exchange and Cultural Hybridity
in Margaret Mascarenhas’ Skin
Palia Gaonkar*
Various discourses describe post-colonialism as a process rather than a state. This process involves two-way influence- it is not only about “imperial suppressions” but about “exchanges” (The Post-Colonial Studies Reader, 2003). These exchanges are mainly cultural in nature, and they in turn give rise to situations that defy the centre-margin paradigm and rigid binarisms. In the words of Homi K. Bhabha, such situations are conducive to the growth of ‘in-between’ identities, which include ‘diasporic’ and ‘hybrid’ personalities. In this light, Margaret Mascarenhas’s Skin becomes a significant text. This paper attempts to bring to the fore the major post-colonial issues addressed in the novel Skin, with a brief introduction to the theoretical framework of post-colonialism and hybridity.
*Ms. Palia Gaonkar, Assistant Professor in English, Govt. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, Goa. palia....@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-15
Diasporic Presence in Goan Literature: A Cultural Insight
Leanora Pereira*
This paper attempts to discuss the diasporic implications reflected in Goan Literature. It examines the cultural context of dispersed Goans, in Goan fiction. Mass migration and global shifts have created new diasporic points of becoming; new ‘imagined communities’, which in turn, construct new identitarian spaces. The diasporic persona in today’s multicultural landscape has evolved from a lonesome alien abroad to an assimilated individual, with new hybridized connotations. He has recreated a new trans-cultural identitarian space, with cross cultural practices. While retaining his own vernacular culture, he has imbibed cultural elements from the host country.
Diaspora can be seen as the ‘emergent’ phase in cultural changes. It forms an undivided part of societal culture. As cultural studies has begun to dominate intellectual horizons, diaspora in turn; a part of evolving history, becomes a major site of contestation.
The Goans in Diasporas have lived their Goan heritage abroad. They have carved a unique identitarian space by preserving and maintaining their Goan traditions and culture in an alien society.
These diasporic experiences find resonance in Goan literary expression. Goan literature has aptly captured the changing face of the Goan Cultural vista in diaspora, and the diasporic influence back home. This paper will examine two texts, which have successfully captured and portrayed the displaced, migratory experience:-
Tivolem, published by Victor Rangel Ribeiro in 1998, captures the diasporic psyche of Goans returning to their homeland in the 1930s.
Skin, (published in 2001) is by Margaret Mascarenhas, an American born writer of Goan origin. The novel traces the crosss- continentality of the protagonist’s family history from the 1600s to the present.
In lieu of the present de- territorialization and globalization, the exclusivity of the Goan diasporic expression, in Goan literature attains great significance.
*Ms. Leanora Pereira is Research Scholar at Department of English, Goa University, Goa. leanora...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-16: Vivek Menezes
ABSTRACT-17
Konkani Fiction in English Translation: An Eco-critical View
Glenis Mendonca*,
Nature and literature have always shared a close relationship as is evident in the works of writers down the ages in almost all cultures of the world. Today the intimate relationship between the natural and social world is being analyzed and emphasized in all departments of knowledge and development.
The literary critic tries to study how this close relationship between nature and society has been contextualized by the writers in their works. In this context, two terms have assumed great importance – ecology and eco-criticism. Eco-criticism takes an earth-centred approach to literary criticism. Eco-critics and theorists are concerned with the questions of nature being represented in a piece of literature or if the physical setting has a role in the plot or if the values expressed in the work are consistent with the ecological wisdom or if in addition to race, class and gender; place should become a new critical category and in what ways and to what effect the environment crisis is seeping into contemporary literature and popular culture.
Literary scholars specialize in questions of value, meaning, point of view, tradition and language and it is in these areas that we are making a substantial contribution to environmental thinking. India is a country with variety of ecosystems which ranges from Himalayas in the north to plateaus in the south and from the dynamic Sunderbans in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west. With time, however, these ecosystems have been adversely affected due to increasing population and avarice of mankind. Literature cannot remain unaffected from this depletion and my paper is on how this concern for nature changes in Konkani fiction (in translation) from reverence to destruction.
Four translated texts are chosen for this study: The Upheaval by Pundalik Naik, Kali Ganga and The Kiln by Mahabaleshwar Sail and Tsunami Simon By Damodar Mauzo. The first three are translated from the Konkani by Vidya Pai while Mauzo’s novel is translated by Xavier Cota. The close link between nature and literature which upholds an eco-critical perspective will help us see the various shades of nature vis-à-vis human living, in the works under study. There will also be a conscious attempt to see close connections between the subjugation of women and the degradation of nature to churn out an eco-feminist view in the texts under study.
Key words: Eco-criticism, Eco-feminism, ecology, nature, social world.
*Ms. Glenis Mendonca, Assistant Professor, Carmel College for Women, Nuvem-Goa.
ABSTRACT-18
Through the Prism of Goan Writing: Historicized Fiction,
Fictionalized History
Dattaguru Joshi*
Fiction writers are often drawn to history. Goan writers of fiction are also not an exception to this general propensity. In fact, more often not, they tend to align their fiction to the historical reality than otherwise. As such, this paper is an attempt to discover the extent to which, fiction has been historicized and history fictionalized in select Goan Writing.
On this backdrop, the paper analyzes the notion of history. In all, three novels in English have been chosen for study, namely, Skin (2001) by Margaret Mascarenhas, Sorrowing Lies my Land (1955) by Lambert Mascarenhas and Angela’s Goan Identity (1994) by Carmo D’souza. The fourth novel Yug Sanvar(2004) by Mahabaleshwar Sail in Konkani has also been used as a point of attachment to elucidate the use of Goan history.
Among them, these novels touch upon Goan history right from the
Portuguese conquest to the twentieth century modern Goa, liberated
and with its own identity.
The focus, as seen in the novels is
squarely on the socio-cultural and historico-political reality of Goa
in the given age. This will be duly explored and examined.
The four novels have also been discussed as a post-colonial response in terms of the notions of hybridity, mimicry and Manichean allegory. Over the centuries, the Goan society has certainly undergone a lot of change. The Goan society of the mid sixteenth century portrayed in Yug Sanvar and that of the mid-twentieth century as seen in Angela’s Goan Identity are in no way alike. Yet, they reveal a quest for self/identity in the vortex of caste, class and religion and culture in general. It is possible to place this in perspective, when seen through them prism of history.
*Shri Dattaguru Joshi is the Head, Department of English, Gogate & Walke College, Banda, Maharashtra. dattagu...@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT-19
A Society in Transition: The Upheaval
Diana Patsy De Souza*
This research paper discusses the impression of a Goan village’s society and landscape in transition as seen in the novel The Upheaval by Pundalik Naik. The quaint, serene village of Kolamba, in the taluka of Ponda, is ravaged by the plague called mining. The paper focusses on the two distinct images that Naik presents in his novel: of the Kolamba village before and after; the activity of iron ore mining takes over the life of the villagers. The drastic change that finds expression in the everyday activities of the villagers cannot be ignored or accepted as being good. Though industries, business, trade and commerce are propounded as being a boon; Naik shows us the dark side. A side so horrible that it overcasts any and every good that mining has seemingly brought to the hardworking yet easygoing Goan, who once lived his life in harmony with nature and enjoyed life with family and friends. The onset of mining in the village marks the beginning of a fast paced deterioration of the society and landscape of the village. The degradation becomes visible in terms of lax morality, the loss of a quality life, lack of peace, harmony and environmental pollution.
Essentially, this paper seeks to shed light upon the fact, that Naik
perceives modernity, industrialization, trade and commerce, driven by
greed and not just need is inevitably and inherently harmful to any
and every society.
*Ms. Diana Patsy De Souza, Research Scholar at Department of English, Goa University. nys...@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT-20
Significance of the Oral within the Literary:
A Study of Pundalik Naik’s The Upheaval and Mahabaleshwar Sail’s Kali Ganga.
Subhash Kamalkar*
Fiction holds a fine thread of creativity in itself and thus can be considered as a form which has not only aesthetic nut also creative significance. Thus the use of the oral in a fiction has a particular motive. A fiction writer thus uses the ‘oral’ – folk texts, displaying the culture of the place and the signification of the same as elucidated in terms of its relation with a particular theme or a character. Thus the use of the ‘oral’ should not be a superficial or decorative element used by the author to sooth the imagination of the reader. When the oral is deeply absorbed into the narrative stream, it adds meaning and luster to the entire literary work.
In the Konkani literary world, Pundalik Naik and Mahabaleshwar Sail has their own space as fiction writers and thus the study of the creative usage of the ‘oral’ by these great writers in Konkani fiction is of major interest. The paper examines such usage in the novel “The Upheaval” by Pundalik Naik and “Kali Ganga” by Mahabaleshwar Sail, both of which have been translated in English and use of the ‘oral’ in both the texts has been made very artistically. Thus, the paper would like to determine the reasons behind the potent usage of the ‘oral’ by the author and would like to point out certain aspects responsible for the same.
*Mr. Subhash Kamalkar teaches English at Government College of Arts, Science & College, Sankhli Goa. sill...@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-21
Goa in Translation: A Linguistic Analysis of Three Goan Novels
Fiona Fernandes*
Konkani, matters in Goan writing in English and in English translation because it is one of the chief languages of Goa and has significantly contributed to Goan literature in English. In this paper I would like to offer a linguistic analysis of three novels originally written in Konkani, viz. Acchev by Pundalik Naik, Kali Ganga by Mahabaleshwar Sail and Karmelin by Damodar Mauzo. Each of the novels portrays the Goan essence by showcasing Goan culture, folklore, business, society, customs, nature and human life in its own original way.
I would like to focus on three aspects. Firstly the words translated from Konkani to English which are sometimes interpreted wrongly changing their meaning. Secondly, I will compare some of the idiomatic phrases and sentences which give an exact meaning in the original text, whereas in some instances the meaning differs in English and the essence is lost. Finally, the texts being hailed as ‘near perfect work.’ A perfect text would be one without its meanings being lost and one which brings out the same message portrayed in the original texts.
Translation is good but sometimes difficult since language differs according to regions which have their own special and specific identity. Sometimes some text cannot be translated therefore the words should be retained as they are. Essence of the novel is lost when words are omitted and knowledge about both the original and translated text makes it looks incomplete.
*Ms. Fiona Fernandes is a student of Final Year B. A. at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women Nuvem, Goa 403 604. fiona....@gmail.com
ABSTRACT-22
Short Stories from the Goan Diaspora
Dicksha Pandit, Rhonda Sequeira, Felicia Pereira, Valancia Vaz.
From the heart of Goa, many Goan writers are born, which make them write even when they leave Goa. Goan writers have written all over the world. As they scatter themselves across the globe they are knit by the thread of what it means to be a Goan. By Goan diaspora, we include writings by Goans living in Goa and across boundaries. The fundamental concepts of which constitute diaspora include a scattered population with common origin, nostalgia of their homeland, thoughts of return, and lack of full integration with the host country/space. Some of these writers are Lino Leitao, Ben Antao Margaret Mascarenhas and Dale Fernandes.
We have grown up listening to tales from grandmothers which have shaped our lives. Such oral narratives have not been studied seriously. Many Goan short stories are based on Goan society mostly focusing on issues like male dominance, superstitions, and women-centric social issues. Our research will include the following books Inside/Out by Helene.D. Menezes , Modern Goan Short Stories edited by Luis .S. Rita Vas , and Shell Windows published by Fundacao Oriente and Goan Masala: An Anthology of Stories by Canadian Goans.
The purpose of this paper is to help us grow in the knowledge of Goan writing and to make people aware of its inherent beauty.
*Ms. Dicksha Pandit, Ms. Rhonda Sequeira, Ms. Felicia Pereira and Ms. Valancia Vaz, Students of Final Year B.A, Carmel College of Arts , Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, Goa 403 607.
ABSTRACT-23:
Urge for Stability, Surrender of Spirit and Subjugation:
The vicious cycle entrapping Karmelin
Ambika Kamat*
For centuries, woman has been playing the role of a nurturer. She not only gives birth to a child but also joyfully accepts the responsibility of raising it. A stable and conducive environment is a pre-requisite for the task. This role has had a profound impact on the woman’s psyche. Her thought process, survival strategies, priorities and sense of completeness or fulfillment in life have all incorporated and taken into consideration this child-bearing/rearing role. The woman’s urge for stability has its roots in this role of a mother. This quest has had greater repercussions on woman’s preferences in the arena of romantic and sexual relationships. The novel Karmelin, written by Damodar Mauzo and translated into English by Vidya Pai, is about an immigrant Goan housemaid and a mother who struggles hard to make a living on the foreign soil of Kuwait and secure an bright future for her daughter, Belinda. This paper aims to objectively analyze how Karmelin’s urge for stability and her choice of surrendering her spirit to the men in her life serve to entrap her into a subjugated position.
*Ms. Ambika Kamat is reading for M. A. course at the Department of English, Goa University. ambika...@gmail.com.
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