Translating the Elusive: A Comparative Critique of Three English Renderings of Jibanananda Das’s “Kuri Bachar Pare”

Author(s): Khalid Mahmud, Md. Samyul Haque, Saifullah Siddique

Publication Date: December 30, 2025

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of three English translations of “Kuri Bachar Pare,” a very evocative poem by Jibanananda Das, who is recognised as one of the most significant modern Bengali poets. The poem contemplates memory, emotional disconnection, and the inexorable flow of time, conveyed through a tapestry of intricate natural imagery and melodic rhythm. Translating this poem presents a distinct problem, as its literary impact is rooted in its nuanced tone, symbolic depth, and cultural particularity—attributes that sometimes elude effective cross-linguistic transfer. The study examines the translations by Clinton B. Seely, Fakrul Alam, and Deepankar Choudhury, assessing how each interprets the poem’s thematic essence, stylistic elements, symbolic intricacies, and rhythmic composition. The approach is based on Roman Jakobson’s theory of equivalence and Lawrence Venuti’s framework of domestication vs foreignization. The findings indicate that Fakrul Alam presents the most equitable method, preserving both emotional tone and cultural context. In contrast, Seely emphasises cultural fidelity through a more foreignising style, and Choudhury prioritises readability, frequently sacrificing symbolic complexity. This study argues that translating Jibanananda Das’s poetry requires linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, poetic insight, and a theoretical understanding of translation as a creative envisioning process.