ABSTRACT
Bama, one of the most celebrated Dalit writers, has had her works translated into a number of languages, including English. Dalit writing is, in many senses, a narrative that describes pain, trauma and oppression. Sangati comes across as earthy and impactful, and gives the reader a clear picture of the kind of language that is used in Dalit villages even in the English translation. The entire range of emotions is presented in a matter of fact fashion – without any kind of ornamentation, and in a language that is both shocking and authentic when it comes to the reality of the lives of the people who are speaking it. Thus, translation is important when dealing with a body of writing as rich and varied as Dalit literature. It is essential to note that the choice of English as the language of translation is a normative one and, in a sense, ensures greater accessibility to this literature.
