Dr. Anees Nagi as a Translator

ڈاکٹر انیس ناگی بطور مترجم

Abstract

This study critically examines Dr. Anis Nagi’s contributions to Urdu translation, positioning him not merely as a linguistic mediator but as an intellectual and cultural facilitator. Nagi’s translations of seminal Western literary works such as those by Franz Kafka, Boris Pasternak, and others played a transformative role in exposing Urdu readership to diverse intellectual, philosophical, and literary traditions. His work significantly enriched Urdu literature by introducing new stylistic, thematic, and linguistic dimensions. The research explores Nagi’s translation methodology, focusing on his creative fidelity, cultural sensitivity, and theoretical orientation. Rather than adhering strictly to literal translation, Nagi adopted a nuanced and interpretive approach that preserved the essence of the original texts while making them accessible and resonant within the Urdu literary context. His translations exemplify a dynamic interplay between source and target cultures, demonstrating his deep understanding of both linguistic structures and cultural frameworks. The study also investigates Nagi’s influence on Urdu literary criticism, vocabulary expansion, and ideological discourse, emphasizing how his work contributed to the evolution of modern Urdu thought. By comparing his practices with those of his contemporaries, the research highlights Nagi’s unique role in redefining translation as a creative and intellectual enterprise rather than a mechanical transfer of language. Ultimately, this study positions Anis Nagi as a pioneer who expanded the scope of Urdu translation, integrating global literary currents into local contexts and reshaping the understanding of translation as a culturally embedded, literary activity.