Role and Importance of English and Urdu Reference and Ellipsis in Translation
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Abstract
Cohesive devices play a significant role in shaping the meaning of written and oral messages. Many researchers have analysed such devices in English. On the other hand, the need to explore them in Urdu still exists. This paper aims to juxtapose devices used to achieve cohesion in Urdu and English texts by tracking down the affinities and differences between them. Moreover, it points out the issues and difficulties which arise on account of cohesive devices while translating Urdu into English or conversely. The paper contains the study of reference and ellipsis in short stories of Urdu and English using Halliday frame work of cohesive devices in English. Apart from the qualitative analysis of the selected texts of Urdu and English, a quantitative research has also been carried out to gauge the problems encountered by the translators for the differences in reference and ellipsis in English and Urdu text. The results show that reference system in Urdu text is more intricate than the English text. Moreover, the quantitative research reveals that most of the students translated the source text poorly where ellipsis and reference appeared. The research is significant for it would set the directions for further empirical researches in the area of translation studies. Moreover, it may be helpful in drawing the attention of teachers and students towards the role of cohesive devices in translation.