Translating Truth

By Noel Galon de Leon

In a linguistically and culturally diverse region like Western Visayas, translation is more than an academic pursuit, it is a vital force for justice, a means of enriching literature, and a bridge that connects our narratives to a global audience. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, translation plays a crucial role in ensuring accessibility, equity, and representation across various fields. Whether in literature, public health, or the legal system, translation empowers individuals by making information, narratives, and justice comprehensible and inclusive. Given these realities, how can we further strengthen the practice of translation in Western Visayas, particularly in literature and law?

In his book Bukod na Bukod, published by UP Press in 2003, Isagani R. Cruz posed the question of whether translation is an art, a skill, or a science. Based on his experience as a translator and an advisor for translation projects at De La Salle University, he argues that translation is all three—interconnected concepts that, when approached with seriousness, can significantly contribute to society by fostering mutual understanding amid the vast possibilities of interpreting human experiences. This idea underscores the need to approach translation not just as a technical process but as a discipline that bridges cultures and communities.

One of the most compelling contributions of translation lies in the domain of literature. Philippine literature has long been recognized nationally through works written in Filipino and English. However, some of the country’s most profound literary pieces have been crafted in regional languages such as Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray, Tausug, and Kinaray-a. Translating these works into Filipino or English elevates Philippine literature, ensuring that the depth and diversity of local narratives reach a wider audience. Conversely, translating national literary works into regional languages fosters deeper literary engagement and appreciation across different communities. By strengthening translation efforts in both directions, we not only preserve linguistic heritage but also promote a more inclusive and interconnected literary landscape.

A notable example is the translation of Margosatubig: The Story of Salagunting by Ramon Muzones from Hiligaynon into English and Filipino. These translations, done by Ma. Cecile Locsin-Nava and Agnes Espano-Dimzon, respectively, played an important role in securing national recognition for Muzones’ literary genius. By making his work accessible to a broader audience, these translations assert his rightful place in the national literary canon and exemplify how translation can elevate regional literature to greater heights.

Beyond literature, translation has proven to be an essential tool in public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the greatest challenges during the crisis was effectively disseminating critical health information across all sectors of society. Official announcements from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) were often issued only in English and Filipino, creating barriers for many, especially in remote communities. Recognizing this gap, universities and local organizations-initiated efforts to translate DOH pamphlets and videos into Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, and other regional languages. By ensuring that information, ranging from proper mask usage to vaccine efficacy was comprehensible to all, these translation efforts not only made information more inclusive but also significantly more effective in combating the spread of the virus.

In the legal domain, translation serves as a fundamental pillar of justice, particularly in international courts. The ongoing trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC highlights the critical role of translation in ensuring a fair judicial process. Testimonies of victims, written evidence, and other key documents must be translated into multiple languages to be comprehensible to judges, lawyers, and legal enforcers. This ensures that no language barrier impedes the pursuit of justice.

At the ICC, translation is not merely a procedural requirement but a fundamental obligation that guarantees equitable legal proceedings. Translating the statements of families affected by extrajudicial killings from Filipino into English, French, and other official ICC languages ensures that no voice is left unheard. The ICC values translation through its multilingual trial process, recognizing that fairness in judicial proceedings requires linguistic accessibility. By providing interpretation services and translating legal documents, the ICC upholds due process and transparency, preventing any loss or distortion of meaning that could impact case outcomes.

Translation also plays a key role in expanding access to justice for victims and affected communities. Many cases heard at the ICC originate from countries with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By translating vital information and court decisions into the languages of these communities, the ICC ensures that legal proceedings are not confined to experts alone but are also accessible to ordinary citizens directly impacted by the crimes. Providing legal information in their native languages empowers them to actively participate in the pursuit of justice.

To advance the field of translation in Western Visayas, several measures can be taken across education, professional support, and the legal system. First, translation must be recognized as a legitimate academic discipline by strengthening education and establishing regional translation centers to train aspiring translators. Second, providing adequate incentives and grants for professional translators, particularly in literature and law, can help elevate the value of translation and enrich literary heritage. Lastly, implementing high-quality translations in the judiciary can address language barriers in courts, ensuring fair legal representation for all citizens. By investing in these initiatives, the region can fully harness the power of translation in literature, public health, and justice.

After all, translation is not merely a process of converting words from one language to another, it is a practice that upholds justice, broadens knowledge, and strengthens regional identity. In a multilingual society, the importance of translation in literature, law, and daily life cannot be ignored. Just as the ICC employs systematic translation in its proceedings, the Western Visayas legal system can adopt similar measures to ensure fairness in trials. Just as translation played a vital role in public health during the pandemic, it can continue to be utilized to safeguard the well-being of citizens. And just as literary translation bridges regional narratives with the national and global literary landscapes, it enables us to tell our stories to the world. Translation is a form of power, and it is within our capacity to harness it for the collective good.

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Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.