Using Gen AI Tools for Translating Poems: A Comparative Analysis

Translation Studies Activity Worksheet

Using Gen AI Tools for Translating Poems:

A Comparative Analysis

This blog is written as part of a task assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad, Department of English (MKBU). This blog focuses on translation studies. The task involves translating four poems using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini and comparing the AI-generated translations. The evaluation is based on sound, metre, syntax, tone, grammar, and cultural meanings. Challenges faced during the process and their resolutions are also discussed.

Translation Studies Woeksheet

Guidelines for Using Generative AI in Translation Studies

Poem 1: Faiz Ahmed Faiz's Urdu poem "Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat

Mere Mehboob Na Maang" into Hindi and English

مجھ سے پہلی سی محبت مری محبوب نہ مانگ

میں نے سمجھا تھا کہ تو ہے تو درخشاں ہے حیات

تیرا غم ہے تو غم دہر کا جھگڑا کیا ہے

تیری صورت سے ہے عالم میں بہاروں کو ثبات

تیری آنکھوں کے سوا دنیا میں رکھا کیا ہے

تو جو مل جائے تو تقدیر نگوں ہو جائے

یوں نہ تھا میں نے فقط چاہا تھا یوں ہو جائے

اور بھی دکھ ہیں زمانے میں محبت کے سوا

راحتیں اور بھی ہیں وصل کی راحت کے سوا

ان گنت صدیوں کے تاریک بہیمانہ طلسم

ریشم و اطلس و کمخاب میں بنوائے ہوئے

جا بہ جا بکتے ہوئے کوچہ و بازار میں جسم

خاک میں لتھڑے ہوئے خون میں نہلائے ہوئے

جسم نکلے ہوئے امراض کے تنوروں سے

پیپ بہتی ہوئی گلتے ہوئے ناسوروں سے

لوٹ جاتی ہے ادھر کو بھی نظر کیا کیجے

اب بھی دل کش ہے ترا حسن مگر کیا کیجے

اور بھی دکھ ہیں زمانے میں محبت کے سوا

راحتیں اور بھی ہیں وصل کی راحت کے سوا

مجھ سے پہلی سی محبت مری محبوب نہ مانگ

Translation by ChatGPT

Hindi Translation

मुझसे पहली सी मोहब्बत मेरी महबूब न माँग

मैंने समझा था कि तू है तो दरख़्शां है हयात।

तेरा ग़म है तो ग़म-ए-दहर का झगड़ा क्या है,

तेरी सूरत से है आलम में बहारों को सबात।

तेरी आँखों के सिवा दुनिया में रखा क्या है,

तू जो मिल जाए तो तक़दीर निगूँ हो जाए।

यूँ न था मैंने फ़क़त चाहा था यूँ हो जाए।

और भी दुख हैं ज़माने में मोहब्बत के सिवा,

राहतें और भी हैं वस्ल की राहत के सिवा।

अंगिनत सदियों के तारीक बहीमाना तिलिस्म,

रेशम और अटलस और कमख़ाब में बुनवाए हुए।

जा-ब-जा बिकते हुए कूचा-ओ-बाज़ार में जिस्म,

ख़ाक में लथड़े हुए ख़ून में नहलाए हुए।

जिस्म निकले हुए अमराज़ के तन्नूरों से,

पीप बहती हुई गलते हुए नासूरों से।

लौट जाती है उधर को भी नज़र क्या कीजे,

अब भी दिलकश है तेरा हुस्न मगर क्या कीजे।

और भी दुख हैं ज़माने में मोहब्बत के सिवा,

राहतें और भी हैं वस्ल की राहत के सिवा।

मुझसे पहली सी मोहब्बत मेरी महबूब न माँग।

English Translation

Do not ask of me, my beloved, for that first love once more.

I had thought that if I had you, life would forever shine bright.

If your sorrow was mine, what need for worldly strife?

It is your visage that grants spring its eternal delight.

What is there in the world beyond your gaze?

If I were to have you, destiny would lower its face.

It was not so; I had merely wished it to be this way.

There are sorrows in this world beyond love’s embrace,

And comforts far greater than union’s grace.

The dark, savage spells of countless bygone eras,

Woven into silk, brocade, and golden threads.

Bodies sold in streets and markets near and far,

Coated in dust, bathed in bloodshed.

Bodies dragged from the cauldrons of disease,

Oozing pus from rotting wounds that never cease.

The gaze turns to such sights, what can one do?

Your beauty still enchants, yet what can one pursue?

There are sorrows in this world beyond love’s embrace,

And comforts far greater than union’s grace.

Do not ask of me, my beloved, for that first love once more.

Translation by Gemini

Hindi Translation

मैं तुमसे पहली सी मोहब्बत मत माँगो

मैंने समझा था कि तू है तो जग जगमगाता तेरा ग़म है तो ग़म-ए-दुनिया का क्या माना

तेरी सूरत से है आलम में बहारों को ठहराव तेरी आँखों के सिवा दुनिया में क्या रखा

तू मिल जाए तो किस्मत नगों हो जाए ऐसा नहीं था मैंने बस यही चाहा था

दुनिया में मोहब्बत के सिवा और भी ग़म हैं वस्ल की राहत के सिवा और भी राहतें

लाखों सदियों के अंधेरे जादू के घेरे रेशम और अटलस में बने हुए बदन

गली-गली बिकते हुए, धूल में लथपथ खून से लथपथ, बीमारी के भट्टे से निकले

पीप बहती हुई, सड़ते हुए घावों से नज़र इधर भी लौट जाती है, क्या किया जाए

अभी भी तेरा चेहरा मन को मोह लेता है पर क्या किया जाए, ये दुनिया है

मोहब्बत के सिवा और भी ग़म हैं वस्ल की राहत के सिवा और भी राहतें मैं तुमसे पहली सी मोहब्बत मत माँगो

English Translation

Don't Ask Me for Love Like It Used to Be

I thought you were the light that lit up the world, 

Your sorrow was the world’s, what was there to be hurled?

Your beauty kept spring eternal in this land, 

Beyond your eyes, what was there to understand?

To have you was to shatter fate’s decree, 

I never meant to ask, just hoped it’d be.

There’s more pain in the world than just loving you, 

More comforts than the solace of being with you.

For centuries, dark spells have been brewed, 

In silk and satin, bodies have been imbued.

Sold in streets, their spirits subdued, Covered in dust,

 bathed in blood they’re viewed.

Emerging from disease-ridden, heated crucibles, 

Pus oozes from their festering buboes.

Even now, your beauty still subdues, 

But what’s the use, this world is cruel.

There’s more pain in the world than just loving you,

 More comforts than the solace of being with you.

 Don't ask me for love like it used to be.

Comparative Analysis:-

When examining the translations from ChatGPT and Gemini, several key differences emerge in their approaches to syntax, metre, and cultural elements. ChatGPT maintains more formal, complex sentence structures that closely mirror the Urdu original, employing subordinate clauses and preserving the traditional flow of the ghazal. In contrast, Gemini adopts a more contemporary approach with simpler, direct structures that speak to modern English readers.

Regarding metre and sound, the original Urdu poem follows a classical ghazal metre, which presents a significant challenge for English translation. ChatGPT attempts to maintain rhythmic elements through longer lines and internal rhymes, preserving some of the musical quality of the original. Gemini, however, takes a more liberal approach, adopting a contemporary free verse style with shorter lines and occasional rhyming couplets that feel more natural in modern English.

The handling of lexicon and cultural connotations reveals distinct translation philosophies. ChatGPT preserves Persian-Urdu vocabulary and formal register, retaining terms like "visage" and "strife" that echo the original's elevated literary tone. Cultural markers and traditional metaphors remain more intact in ChatGPT's version. Gemini, conversely, modernizes vocabulary and domesticates cultural references, making them more accessible to contemporary English readers but potentially losing some of the original's cultural richness.

Several elements proved particularly challenging to translate. The Persian-Urdu compound constructions, such as "gham-e-dahr," required different resolution strategies. ChatGPT maintained these as complex concepts ("worldly strife"), while Gemini simplified them for modern comprehension ("world's"). Classical Urdu metaphors and culturally specific terms like "darkhshan" (radiant), "wasł" (union), and "tilism" (spell/enchantment) posed similar challenges, with ChatGPT opting for archaic English equivalents and Gemini choosing modern approximations.

When considering theoretical frameworks, both translations exemplify different aspects of translation theory. Through Jakobson's lens, ChatGPT follows formal equivalence more closely, while Gemini prioritizes dynamic equivalence. Catford's concept of translation shifts is evident in both versions, though more pronounced in Gemini's modern interpretation. Devy's ideas about cultural translation are particularly relevant, as ChatGPT maintains more cultural markers while Gemini domesticates for the target culture. Ramanujan's translation types are also applicable, with ChatGPT taking a more literal approach and Gemini adopting a transcreative stance.

The effectiveness of each translation ultimately depends on its intended purpose and audience. ChatGPT's version would better serve academic study or readers interested in the original's cultural and poetic nuances, while Gemini's translation might better reach contemporary readers seeking emotional resonance and immediate comprehension. Both translations demonstrate the complex balancing act between maintaining fidelity to the original and creating accessible, meaningful poetry in the target language.

The creative liberties taken by both AI tools reflect different priorities: ChatGPT adds poetic embellishments that attempt to capture the original's literary qualities, while Gemini makes bold choices to ensure contemporary relevance and emotional impact. These different approaches highlight the eternal tension in poetry translation between preserving form and conveying meaning.

Poem 2: W. B. Yeats's The Second Coming into Hindi and Gujarati.

Turning and turning in the widening gyre   

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere   

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst   

Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.   

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out   

When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert   

A shape with lion body and the head of a man,   

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,   

Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it   

Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.   

The darkness drops again; but now I know   

That twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,   

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,   

Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

Translation by ChatGPT

Hindi Translation

दूसरी आगमन

घूमता और घूमता चौड़े चक्र में,

बाज़ सुन नहीं पाता अब अपने बाज़बान को;

सबकुछ बिखर रहा है; केंद्र अब टिक नहीं सकता,

सिर्फ अराजकता का सैलाब दुनिया पर छूट पड़ा है,

खून-लाल ज्वार उफन रहा है, और हर जगह

मासूमियत की रस्म डूब रही है;

सबसे अच्छे लोग पूरी तरह से आत्मविश्वास खो बैठे हैं,

और सबसे बुरे

भरे हुए हैं तीव्र उत्तेजना से।

 निश्चित रूप से कोई रहस्योद्घाटन समीप है;

निश्चित रूप से दूसरा आगमन समीप है।

दूसरा आगमन! मुश्किल से ये शब्द निकले ही थे

कि आत्मा की दुनिया से

एक विशाल छवि मेरी दृष्टि को विचलित करती है:

रेगिस्तान की रेत के बीच कहीं

एक आकृति, शेर का शरीर और मनुष्य का सिर,

एक नज़रों से शून्य और निर्मम जैसे सूरज,

धीमी जांघों से चल रही है, और उसके चारों ओर

रेगिस्तान के नाराज पक्षियों की छायाएं मचल रही हैं।

अंधेरा फिर गिरता है; लेकिन अब मैं जानता हूं

कि बीस सदी का पत्थर जैसा नींद

एक झूलते पालने से बुरे सपने में बदल गई,

और वह कौन सा खुरदरा जानवर, जिसका समय अब आ गया है,

बेथलेहम की ओर झुकता है जन्म लेने के लिए?

Gujarati Translation

બીજું આવગમન

ઘૂમતું અને ઘૂમતું પહોળા ચક્રમાં,

બાજ હવે પોતાના બાજબાનને સાંભળી શકતો નથી;

બધું વિખેરાઈ રહ્યું છે; કેન્દ્ર હવે ટકી શકતું નથી,

માત્ર અનાર્કીનું પ્રવાહ જગતમાં છૂટી રહ્યું છે,

લોહી-લાલ જ્વાર છૂટી રહ્યું છે, અને દરેક જગ્યાએ

માસૂમિયતની વિધિ ડૂબી રહી છે;

સર્વશ્રેષ્ઠ લોકો સંપૂર્ણ નિશ્ચય ગુમાવી બેઠા છે,

અને સૌથી ખરાબ

ગહન તીવ્રતા થી ભરાયેલા છે।

ખાત્રી છે કે કોઈ પ્રગટાવ નજીક છે;

ખાત્રી છે કે બીજું આવગમન નજીક છે।

બીજું આવગમન! અઘરી રીતે આ શબ્દો બહાર નીકળે છે

કે આત્માની દુનિયાથી

એક વિશાળ છબી મારી દ્રષ્ટિને ખલેલ પહોંચાડે છે:

કાંઈક મરુસ્થળની રેતીમાં

સિંહના શરીર અને માનવના માથાવાળું એક આકાર,

એક શૂન્ય અને ક્રૂર નજર જેમ સૂર્ય,

ધીમી ઊરથી આગળ વધે છે, અને તેની આજુબાજુ

મરુસ્થળના કુપિત પંખીઓની છાયા ઘૂમે છે।

અંધકાર ફરીથી છવાઈ જાય છે; પરંતુ હવે મને ખબર છે

કે વીસ સદીઓની પથ્થર જેવી નિંદ્રા

એક ડોલતા પાળણામાંથી દુ:સ્વપ્ન બની ગઈ છે,

અને તે કયું ખડતરા પ્રાણી, તેનું સમય હવે આવી ગયું છે,

બેઠલેહેમ તરફ ઝૂકી રહ્યું છે જન્મ લેવા માટે?

Translation by Gemini

Hindi Translation

घूमता और घूमता, वृत्त बढ़ता जाता है 

बाज़ नहीं सुन पाता शिकारी को अब टूट रहा है सब कुछ, 

केंद्र खो रहा है संतुलन अराजकता छाई है 

चारों ओर रक्तरंजित ज्वार उमड़ रहा है, 

हर जगह मासूमियत का यज्ञ डूब रहा है 

सबसे अच्छे खो चुके हैं विश्वास, जबकि बुरे जुनून से भरे हैं, तीव्रता से

निश्चित ही कोई प्रकटीकरण समीप है निश्चित ही द्वितीय

 आगमन समीप है द्वितीय आगमन!

 मुश्किल से ही ये शब्द निकले जब एक विशाल प्रतिमा,

 विश्व आत्मा से उत्पन्न मेरी दृष्टि को भ्रमित करती है: 

कहीं रेगिस्तान के रेत में एक आकृति,

 सिंह का शरीर और मनुष्य का मुखड़ा सूर्य की भाँति निर्दयी 

और निगाह खाली धीरे-धीरे अपनी जाँघें हिला रहा है,

 जबकि उसके चारों ओर क्रोधित रेगिस्तानी पक्षियों 

की छायाएँ घूम रही हैं अंधेरा फिर से छा जाता है;

 पर अब मैं जानता हूँ पत्थर की नींद की बीस सदियाँ

 एक डोलने वाले पालने से दुःस्वप्न में विचलित हुई थीं 

और कौन सा क्रूर पशु, जिसका समय आखिरकार आ गया है

 बेथलहम की ओर झुक रहा है, जन्म लेने के लिए?

Gujarati Translation

વર્તુળ વધતું જાય, ફરતું રહે છે ફરી ફરી 

બાજ નથી સાંભળી શકતો બાજીગરની વાત 

સર્વત્ર વિઘ્ન, કેન્દ્ર ધરાશયી થઈ રહ્યું છે

 અરાજકતા છવાઈ ગઈ છે દુનિયામાં

 લોહીથી રંગાયેલો જ્વાર છૂટી પડ્યો છે, 

દરેક જગ્યાએ નિર્દોષતાના સંસ્કાર ડૂબી ગયા છે

 શ્રેષ્ઠોમાં કોઈ વિશ્વાસ નથી, જ્યારે દુષ્ટો જુસ્સાથી ભરેલા છે, તીવ્રતાથી

નિશ્ચિત જ કોઈ પ્રકટીકરણ નજીક છે

 નિશ્ચિત જ દ્વિતીય આગમન નજીક છે 

દ્વિતીય આગમન! શબ્દો મુખેથી નીકળ્યા જ હતા 

જ્યારે એક વિશાળ પ્રતિમા, વિશ્વઆત્મામાંથી 

ઉદભવેલી મારી દ્રષ્ટિને ભ્રમિત કરે છે: 

રણના રેતાળ વિસ્તારમાં ક્યાંક સિંહનું શરીર 

અને માનવીનું માથું ધરાવતી આકૃતિ સૂર્યની જેમ નિર્દય અને નિર્લિપ્ત 

દ્રષ્ટિ ધીમે-ધીમે પોતાની જાંઘો હલાવી રહી છે, 

અને તેની આસપાસ ક્રોધિત રણપંખીઓની છાયાઓ ઘૂમી રહી છે 

અંધકાર ફરીથી છવાઈ જાય છે; પરંતુ હવે હું જાણું છું પથ્થરની ઊંઘની વીસ સદીઓ 

એક હચમચતા પલંગથી દુઃસ્વપ્નમાં વિક્ષોભિત થઈ હતી,

 અને કયો ક્રૂર પશુ, જેનું ક્રમ આખરે આવી પહોંચ્યું છે 

બેથલહેમ તરફ ઝૂકી રહ્યો છે, જન્મ લેવા માટે?

Comparative Analysis:-

    When examining the translations from both ChatGPT and Gemini, several significant challenges and patterns emerge in how these AI tools handled Yeats's complex poem. The most demanding aspects of translation centered around religious and mythological references. Both AI systems chose to transliterate rather than translate terms like "Bethlehem," rendering it as "बेथलेहम/બેથલેહેમ" (ChatGPT) and "बेथलहम/બેથલહેમ" (Gemini). The mystical concept of "Spiritus Mundi" received different treatments, with ChatGPT opting for a more literal "आत्मा की दुनिया/આત્માની દુનિયા" (world of the soul), while Gemini chose the more conceptual "विश्व आत्मा/વિશ્વઆત્મા" (world spirit).

    The metaphorical language presented another significant challenge. The famous opening image of the "widening gyre" demonstrates how each AI approached complex poetic imagery differently. ChatGPT maintained a more conservative approach with "चौड़े चक्र/પહોળા ચક્ર" (wide circle), while Gemini attempted to capture the dynamic nature of the image with "वृत्त बढ़ता/વર્તુળ વધતું" (expanding circle).

    In terms of metrical considerations, neither AI system fully preserved Yeats's original meter, though they approached this limitation differently. ChatGPT showed more concern for maintaining the original line breaks and formal structure, while Gemini took greater liberties with line arrangement, prioritizing natural flow in the target languages. This difference reflects a fundamental tension in translation theory between formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence.

   The handling of cultural connotations reveals interesting patterns in AI translation strategies. The falcon/falconer metaphor, while maintained lexically, lost some of its resonant power in translation. ChatGPT's choice of "बाज़बान/બાજબાન" for falconer maintains a more traditional terminology, while Gemini's use of "शिकारी/બાજીગર" opts for more commonly understood terms.

   When viewed through theoretical frameworks, these translations illuminate several key concepts in translation studies. Jakobson's notion of interlingual translation is clearly demonstrated, particularly in how both AIs struggled with achieving true equivalence in metaphorical language. Catford's concept of translation shifts is especially visible in Gemini's work, where both level and category shifts occur frequently to accommodate target language norms.

   Ramanujan's emphasis on context-sensitivity is particularly relevant when examining how both AIs handled the poem's apocalyptic imagery and Christian references. The challenge of transferring these Western concepts into Indian linguistic and cultural frameworks reveals the limitations of AI translation for culturally complex texts.

   Looking at the translations through Devy's theoretical lens highlights the particular challenges of rendering Western poetic forms in Indian languages. The attempts to maintain the poem's gravitas while working within Hindi and Gujarati linguistic structures shows both the possibilities and limitations of cross-cultural poetic translation.

   Overall, ChatGPT's translation demonstrates greater fidelity to the original text's structure and formal elements, while Gemini's version offers more natural linguistic flow in the target languages. However, both translations struggle with fully conveying the deep cultural and historical resonances of Yeats's original work, highlighting the ongoing challenges in automated literary translation.

    This comparative analysis reveals that while AI translation tools have made remarkable progress in handling complex poetic texts, they still face significant challenges in capturing the full depth of literary works, particularly when crossing substantial cultural and linguistic boundaries. The choices made by both AI systems reflect different priorities in the eternal balance between fidelity to the original and effectiveness in the target language.

Poem 3: Choose a Gujarati poem and translate it into Hindi and English.

ગામ ને પાદર ઘેઘુર વડલો, ઘેઘુર એની છાયા,

અલક-મલક સવ આવે અહી,, સૌને તેની માયા,

વડવાયોએ લટકાઈને છોકરાઓ જુલે જૂલા,

પાંદડાઓ અને ડાળખીઓ થી ઘરના જગે ચૂલા,

ઉનાળામાં ઓથ છે એની પશુ-પક્ષીઓ માથે,

પશુ-પક્ષીઓ સવ રહે છે અહી એક સાથે,

બાળકોનું ઘોડિયું બાંધી, મા ફેરવતી હાથ માથે,

છોકરાઓનું બાળપણ વીતે છે અહી, રમત-ગમતમાં સાથે,

યુવાન પ્રેમીઓનું મિલન થાય અહી, પ્રેમિકા સંગાથે,

ઘરડાઓનું ઘડપણ વીતે છે, ચોરો ભરી સાથે,

વટેમાર્ગુ ને પોરો મળે અહી, સૌને તેની છાયા,

ગાયોના ગોવાળ પણ, પોરો ખાય છે આયા,

પેઢીઓની પેઢીઓને આપતો આવ્યો છાયા,

પશુ-પક્ષી અને માણસો, સૌને તેની માયા,

પાછો લાવ્યો ગામને પાદર, વડલા તારી માયા,

ગામ ને પાદર ઘેઘુર વડલો, ઘેઘુર એની છાયા,

– નીતિન ગજ્જર

Translation by ChatGPT

Hindi Translation

गांव और पधर घना बरगद, घनी उसकी छाया

हल्की-सी रोशनी आती यहां, सबको उसकी माया।

डालियों से लटककर बच्चे झूले झूलते,

पत्तों और टहनियों से चूल्हे जलते।

गर्मियों में छाया है इसकी पशु-पक्षियों पर,

पशु-पक्षी सब रहते यहां साथ मिलकर।

बच्चों का झूला बांधकर मां झुलाती सिर पर,

बचपन बीतता यहां, खेल-कूद में हंसकर।

युवाओं का मिलन होता यहां प्रेमिका संग,

बुजुर्गों का बुढ़ापा कटता यहां, चिंतन में ढलते रंग।

राहगीरों को आराम मिलता, सबको इसकी छाया,

गायों के ग्वाले भी, सुस्ताते यहां आया।

पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी देता आया छाया,

पशु, पक्षी और इंसान सबको इसकी माया।

फिर लौट आया गांव का पधर, बरगद की यह माया,

गांव और पधर घना बरगद, घनी उसकी छाया।

English Translation

The Village and Meadow’s Vast Banyan, Its Dense Shade

A gentle shimmer of light arrives here, all in its embrace swayed.

Children swing on its hanging branches,

Twigs and leaves fuel the hearths in bunches.

In summers, it shelters animals and birds from heat,

Here, all creatures gather in harmony complete.

Mothers rock their babies under its broad shade,

Childhood blooms here, in joy and games replayed.

Young lovers meet beneath its arms so wide,

Elders pass their twilight here, in thoughts that bide.

Travelers find respite, resting in its grace,

Even herders pause here, their cattle at a pace.

Generations upon generations have cherished its canopy,

For animals, birds, and humans, it’s a boon, a homily.

The meadow returns its blessing again,

This banyan’s enchantment forever remains.

The village and meadow’s vast banyan, its dense shade sustained.

Translation by Gemini

Hindi Translation

वट का वृक्ष

गाँव के चौक पर बड़ा सा वटवृक्ष छाया फैलाता, मन को करता है शीतल

यहाँ आते हैं सब, बड़े-बुजुर्ग और बच्चे वटवृक्ष की छाया में पाते हैं आनंद

लड़के झूले झूलते, शाखाओं पर लटक कर पत्तों और डालियों से बना घर

गर्मी में पशु-पक्षियों को छाया देता है सब मिलकर रहते हैं, प्रेम से गाते हैं

माँ बांधती है झूला, बच्चे झूलते हैं बचपन बीतता है, खेलों में मस्त रहते हैं

युवा प्रेमी मिलते हैं, यहाँ पर आकर बूढ़े बैठकर करते हैं बातें

राही को मिलता है आराम, पशुओं को चारा पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी, सभी को देता है सहारा

पशु-पक्षी और इंसान, सब मिलकर रहते गाँव के चौक पर बड़ा सा वटवृक्ष, सबको प्यारा

English Translation

The Banyan Tree

A giant banyan tree, the village square's delight,

 Its shade so cool, a soothing, peaceful sight.

Here gather all, young, old, both great and small,

 Beneath its boughs, they find solace for all.

Boys swing from branches, building leafy homes, 

While birds and beasts find shelter from storms.

Mothers sway swings, children laugh and play,

 Childhood days pass in a carefree way.

Young lovers meet, their hearts filled with glee,

 While elders sit, content and free.

The weary traveler finds rest and shade,

 And cattle graze where cool shadows are laid.

For generations, it has stood so tall, 

A friend to all, both great and small.

The village square's banyan, a beloved tree,

 A symbol of unity, wild and free.

Comparative Analysis:-

Looking at syntax, ChatGPT maintains a closer structural fidelity to the original Gujarati poem, preserving the parallel constructions and line-by-line flow. Gemini takes more liberties with sentence structure, often combining or reorganizing lines to create a more flowing English narrative. This is particularly evident in how Gemini transforms the repeated mentions of "છાયા" (shade) into varied expressions like "delight" and "peaceful sight."

Regarding meter and sound, neither translation fully captures the rhythmic quality of the original Gujarati. ChatGPT attempts to maintain some internal rhyme with pairs like "swayed/replayed" and "grace/pace," while Gemini creates a more consistent end-rhyme scheme with couplets like "delight/sight" and "small/all." However, both miss the musical quality created by the original's repetitive use of "છે" (che) and other sonic patterns intrinsic to Gujarati.

The handling of cultural connotations reveals interesting differences. ChatGPT preserves culturally specific terms like "herders" and "meadow," staying closer to the rural Indian context. Gemini opts for more universalized expressions, transforming "ચોરો" (choro - a village meeting place) into "village square" and "ગોવાળ" (goval - cowherd) into the more generic "cattle graze."

One of the most challenging aspects for both AI tools was translating "માયા" (maya), which carries complex philosophical and emotional connotations in Indian culture. ChatGPT translates it as "embrace" or "enchantment," while Gemini avoids direct translation, instead conveying the sentiment through phrases like "beloved" and "friend to all."

In terms of theoretical frameworks, these translations demonstrate what Ramanujan describes as the tension between formal and cultural translation. Both AI tools struggle with what Catford would term "cultural untranslatability," particularly evident in their handling of terms like "ચોરો" and "માયા." Jakobson's concept of intersemiotic translation is relevant here, as both tools attempt to transfer not just linguistic meaning but also the cultural and emotional resonance of the original.

The translations also reflect Devy's observations about the challenges of translating Indian literature into English, particularly in how both AI tools negotiate between maintaining cultural authenticity and creating accessibility for English readers. ChatGPT tends toward what Devy would call a more "faithful" translation, while Gemini adopts a more adaptive approach.

Overall, ChatGPT's translation appears more successful in maintaining the original's content and cultural nuances, while Gemini's version creates a more naturally flowing English poem. However, both struggle with fully capturing the cultural and philosophical depths embedded in the original Gujarati text, demonstrating the persistent challenges in automated translation of culturally rich poetic texts.

 Poem 4: Hindi poem and translate it into English and Gujarati.

अकाल और उसके बाद

कई दिनों तक चूल्हा रोया, चक्की रही उदास

कई दिनों तक कानी कुतिया सोई उनके पास

कई दिनों तक लगी भीत पर छिपकलियों की गश्त

कई दिनों तक चूहों की भी हालत रही शिकस्त

दाने आए घर के अंदर कई दिनों के बाद

धुआँ उठा आँगन से ऊपर कई दिनों के बाद

चमक उठी घर भर की आँखें कई दिनों के बाद

कौए ने खुजलाई पाँखें कई दिनों के बाद

- नागार्जुन

Translation by ChatGPT

English Translation

For days, the hearth wept, the mill lay forlorn,

For days, the lame dog slept beside them, worn.

For days, the lizards patrolled the walls in haste,

For days, even the mice’s condition was laid to waste.

Grains entered the house after many days’ plight,

Smoke rose above the courtyard after many days’ fight.

The eyes of the household sparkled bright after many days,

The crow preened its feathers, delight after many days.

Gujarati Translation

ઘણાં દિવસ સુધી ચુલ્હો રડ્યો, ચક્કી રહી ઉદાસ,

ઘણાં દિવસ સુધી લંગડી કૂતરી સુતી રહી તેમના પાસ।

ઘણાં દિવસ સુધી દિવાલ પર ચિપકલીનું ઘેરાવ ચાલ્યું,

ઘણાં દિવસ સુધી ઉંદરોએ પણ હરાવાનું બોજ ભાળ્યું।

ઘણા દિવસ પછી ઘરમાં ધાન્ય આવ્યાં,

ઘણા દિવસ પછી આંગણેથી ધુમાડા ઊઠ્યાં।

ઘણા દિવસ પછી ઘરમાં આંખો તેજસ્વી થઈ,

ઘણા દિવસ પછી કાગડો પાંખે માજા લાવા બેઠો થઇ।

Translation by Gemini

English Translation

A House of Want For many days, 

the hearth wept, the grinder mourned,

 A blind bitch slept nearby, her spirit worn. 

For many days, the lizards patrolled the wall,

 And mice were vanquished, small and frail.

At last, grain came into the house, after such a wait, 

Smoke rose above the courtyard, so sweet. 

The house's eyes lit up, after many a night. 

The crow preened its feathers, a joyful sight.

Gujarati Translation

ઘરમાં અનાજ ન હોવાથી

ઘણા દિવસો સુધી ચૂલો રડ્યો, ચક્કી ઉદાસ રહી

 ઘણા દિવસો સુધી અંધી કુતરી સૂતી રહી 

ઘણા દિવસો સુધી દીવાલ પર ગરોળી ફરતી રહી 

ઘણા દિવસો સુધી ઉંદરોની હાલત ખરાબ રહી

ઘણા દિવસો પછી ઘરમાં અનાજ આવ્યું 

ઘણા દિવસો પછી આંગણે ધુમાડો ઉઠ્યો ઘણા દિવસો પછી 

ઘરની આંખો ચમકી ઉઠી 

ઘણા દિવસો પછી કાગડો પાંખ ફેરવતો રહ્યો

Comparative Analysis:-

When examining the translations from both AI tools, there are significant differences in their approaches to handling the original Hindi poem. ChatGPT demonstrates a stronger commitment to maintaining the formal structure of the original, consistently preserving the repetitive pattern of "कई दिनों तक" by translating it as "For days" at the beginning of each line. This adherence to the original structure aligns with Ramanujan's concept of formal translation, where the emphasis is on preserving the structural integrity of the source text.

Gemini, in contrast, takes a more interpretive approach, adding a title "A House of Want" that wasn't present in the original and varying the sentence structures to create what it considers more natural English poetry. This approach reflects a cultural translation strategy, prioritizing the conveyance of meaning and emotional impact over strict formal equivalence.

The handling of culturally specific terms presents interesting challenges for both AI tools. The metaphor of "चूल्हा रोया" (the weeping hearth) is preserved by both translations, successfully maintaining the powerful imagery of hunger and deprivation. However, they differ in their treatment of "कानी कुतिया," with ChatGPT opting for "lame dog" while Gemini chooses "blind bitch," demonstrating different interpretations of the cultural connotations associated with this image.

The concept of "आँगन" (courtyard) presents a particular challenge as it carries specific cultural connotations in Indian households that aren't fully captured by the English translation. Similarly, the significance of धुआँ (smoke) rising from the courtyard as a sign of life and activity in an Indian household context loses some of its cultural resonance in translation. These challenges align with Jakobson's theories about the limitations of finding perfect equivalence across languages, especially when dealing with culturally embedded concepts.

In terms of maintaining the poem's emotional progression from desolation to hope, both translations succeed but through different means. ChatGPT achieves this through faithful preservation of the original's stark simplicity and rhythmic pattern, while Gemini emphasizes the emotional arc through more interpretive language choices and structural modifications. This difference in approach reflects the ongoing tension in translation theory between fidelity to form and fidelity to meaning.

The handling of metre and sound reveals another significant difference between the two translations. ChatGPT maintains the rhythmic pattern of the original more closely, whereas Gemini sacrifices some of this rhythmic consistency in favor of what it perceives as more natural English poetic flow. This choice reflects the classic translator's dilemma of balancing source language patterns with target language conventions.

Looking at the translations through Devy's theoretical framework, we can see how both AI tools grapple with the challenge of bridging not just linguistic but cultural gaps. ChatGPT's more literal approach might better serve readers interested in understanding the original's structure, while Gemini's more adaptive translation might better convey the poem's emotional impact to readers unfamiliar with Indian cultural contexts.

Ultimately, these translations demonstrate the complex interplay between formal equivalence and cultural adaptation in literary translation, with each AI tool prioritizing different aspects of the original text. ChatGPT's translation succeeds better at maintaining the formal elements and repetitive structure that give the original its power, while Gemini's version might be more accessible to English readers, though at the cost of some formal fidelity to the original.

    The AI translations of Yeats's "The Second Coming" into Hindi and Gujarati demonstrate both the progress and limitations of machine translation in handling literary texts. The analysis reveals that while both ChatGPT and Gemini successfully accomplish basic linguistic conversion, they struggle with preserving the deeper cultural and poetic elements emphasized by translation theorists. ChatGPT's approach favors structural fidelity to the original text, while Gemini prioritizes natural expression in the target languages. However, both systems show notable limitations in addressing cultural contexts and poetic nuances, particularly in translating Western religious and apocalyptic imagery into Indian linguistic frameworks. These findings indicate that while AI translation has advanced significantly, it has yet to fully bridge the gap between mechanical language transfer and the nuanced cultural mediation required for sophisticated literary translation.

    This assessment aligns with established translation theories while highlighting the continuing challenges in computational approaches to literary translation. The results suggest that AI translation, while increasingly sophisticated, still requires development to fully address the complex cultural and contextual dimensions of poetry translation.

References: 

Barad, Dilip. (2024). Guidelines for Using Generative AI in Translation Studies. 10.13140/RG.2.2.29351.25766. 

Barad, Dilip. (2024). Translation Studies Activity Worksheet Using Gen AI Tools for Translating Poems. 10.13140/RG.2.2.32287.27041. 

Claude. Analysis of the Translated Poem. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024. Claude, claude.ai/.

Faiz, Ahmed Faiz. "Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat Mirii Mehboob Na Maang." Rekhta

Foundation, https://www.rekhta.org/nazms/mujh-se-pahlii-sii-mohabbat-mirii-

mahbuub-na-maang-mujh-se-pahlii-sii-mohabbat-mirii-mahbuub-na-maang-faiz-

ahmad-faiz-nazms?lang=ur. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Gemini. Translation and Discussion of Poems in Gujarati, Hindi, and English. 29 Dec. 2024. Gemini, https://gemini.google.com/.

OpenAI. Translation and Discussion of Poems in Gujarati, Hindi, and English. 29 Dec. 2024. ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/.

Ramanujan, A.K. "On Translating a Tamil Poem." In The Collected Essays of A. K. Ramanujan, edited by Vinay Dharwadker, Oxford University Press, 2004, pp. 131–160.

Yeats, W.B. "The Second Coming." The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats, Scribner,

1996.

  Research and Writing

This blogpost is a part of Thinking activity on Research and Writing given by Prakruti Ma'am, Department of English, MKBU.

• In your opinion, should research always strive to achieve something new and creative or is it ok to pursue an existing direction and arrive at newer understanding of the same? In which one of these two categories would you classify the topic that you have chosen for your dissertation?

Research doesn't always need to be groundbreaking. Sometimes, taking an existing idea and finding new meaning in it is just as important. My dissertation follows this path—it's about building on what’s already known but offering a new perspective that adds deeper understanding and enriches ongoing discussions.

Paraphrasing the Passage

Original Passage

There is little to be gained from seeking to isolate any artistic form or movement from its antecedents and counterparts. Myopia is the product of critical segregation, wherein readers disengage practices from those contexts that have forged their contours. This might seem obvious, but there is value in rearticulating the axiomatic in times of transformation--when something "new" emerges, many of us fall into the trap of isolating our darlings, whether old or young, from all those other contexts that play a significant role in their construction. How does one look at electronic literature without considering the literary, the ludic, that which we can see, touch, and hear---how does one look critically at anything without such frames of reference, and how do we overcome natural limitations in capacity when attempting to do so? The best we can do is look to those who have gone before, build upon their foundation, and indeed, emphasize those aspects of an exploration we deem worthy of greater emphasis. (Sullivan)

Chatbot's Paraphrase

It is unhelpful to view any artistic form or movement in isolation from its predecessors and related influences. Separating creative practices from their shaping contexts leads to a narrow perspective. While this may seem obvious, it's worth restating, especially during periods of change. When something "new" arises, we often fall into the habit of detaching it—whether old or new—from the broader contexts that contribute to its creation. For instance, examining electronic literature requires considering its literary, playful, and sensory dimensions. How can anything be critically analyzed without such reference points? And how can we address our natural limitations in doing so? The best approach is to learn from those who came before, build on their work, and highlight the elements of exploration we believe deserve more attention.

1. Is the paraphrase approximately the same length as the original passage?
   Yes, the paraphrase is approximately the same length as the original passage. It maintains the original's depth and detail while rephrasing the ideas.

2. Has any part of the passage been copied word for word?
   No, the paraphrase does not copy any part of the passage word for word. All ideas have been rephrased using different language while preserving the meaning.

3. Does the paraphrase have the same meaning as the passage?
   Yes, the paraphrase conveys the same meaning as the original passage. It effectively captures the essence of the original ideas, emphasizing the importance of context and building upon prior work.

What is the full form of CIS? Discuss some of the types of searches which can be employed to search for sources in a library equipped with CIS.

The full form of CIS is Computerized Information System, which modern libraries use to manage, organize, and provide access to their resources efficiently. A variety of search types can be employed in a library equipped with CIS, each offering specific advantages to meet different user needs:

• Keyword Search: This is the most basic and widely used type of search. Users enter words or phrases related to their topic, and the system scans titles, abstracts, and descriptions to find matches. It’s ideal for exploring topics when you have general ideas but no specific details.

• Author Search: If you are looking for works by a specific author, this type of search allows you to input the author's name to retrieve all materials they have written or contributed to. It’s particularly useful for those studying an author’s body of work.

• Title Search: When you know the exact or partial title of a resource, this search helps locate it quickly and efficiently. It saves time and ensures you find the precise material you are seeking.

• Subject Search: Libraries often categorize materials under specific subjects or themes. A subject search lets you explore resources grouped under these headings, helping you delve deeper into a particular topic.

• Boolean Search: Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT are used to refine search results. For example, a search for "renewable energy AND climate change" will only return materials covering both topics, while "renewable energy OR climate change" expands the search to include materials on either topic.

• Advanced Search: This type combines multiple filters for more specific results. Users can input keywords, authors, publication dates, material types, or languages simultaneously to narrow down their search effectively.

• Browse Search: Instead of entering specific queries, users can browse through lists of authors, titles, or subjects in an organized format, often alphabetically. It’s useful for discovering related materials or exploring a field broadly.

• Citation Search: Users can locate a resource by inputting citation details such as the author’s name, journal title, publication year, or volume number. It is particularly useful for researchers tracing references from bibliographies.

Each of these search types plays a vital role in making the process of locating information efficient, organized, and tailored to individual needs. By using CIS, libraries ensure that users can explore their collections seamlessly and with precision.

Benefits of CIS in Libraries

• Efficiency: Quickly locate resources without manual searching.
• Customization: Advanced and Boolean searches allow users to tailor results.
• Accessibility: Remote access to digital collections and e-resources is possible.
• Integration: Links to external databases or interlibrary loan systems.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interfaces make it accessible for everyone, from beginners to researchers.

In short, a library equipped with CIS opens up a world of possibilities, combining traditional knowledge organization with modern search technologies to make research smarter and faster.

Words: 1021

Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | Brain Rot and Manifest

Digital Dreams and Mental Decay: Decoding 2024's Words of the Year

In the ever-evolving landscape of language, two words have emerged as powerful mirrors reflecting our collective digital experience: "brain rot" and "manifest." 

Teacher's blog

A Brief Introduction to the Words of the Year

Every year, the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries select Words of the Year to reflect the most significant cultural and societal trends. For 2024, Oxford chose Brain Rot, a term capturing the mental and intellectual decline attributed to consuming excessive low-quality online content. On the other hand, Cambridge selected Manifest, a word associated with envisioning and achieving one's goals through deliberate mental focus. These choices encapsulate two contrasting aspects of contemporary life: the challenges of navigating digital distractions and the persistent human aspiration for growth and self-improvement.

The Digital Dilemma: Understanding "Brain Rot"

"Brain rot" is more than just a catchy phrase. It's a brutally honest acknowledgment of how digital content is reshaping our mental processes. Increasing 230% in usage between 2023 and 2024, the term speaks to a growing concern about mindless consumption. Ironically, it's the very generation creating viral content—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—who are most vocal about its potential harmful effects. The psychological context is fascinating. We're dealing with unprecedented information overload. Social media algorithms are designed to keep us scrolling, consuming bite-sized content that requires minimal cognitive effort. "Brain rot" is our collective defense mechanism—a way of recognizing and naming the intellectual numbing that happens when we consume low-quality, repetitive content.

Manifesting Magical Thinking

Contrast this with "manifest" – a word that represents the flip side of our digital culture. Here, we see a generation attempting to wrestle control from the chaos, believing that imagination can reshape reality. The "manifesting" trend suggests that success is just a matter of intense visualization and positive thinking.

Yet, as Dr. Sander van der Linden from Cambridge University warns, this is nothing more than "magical thinking." It's a seductive narrative that promises control in an increasingly unpredictable world. While positive thinking and goal-setting have merit, the idea that mere mental rituals can transform reality is a dangerous illusion.

The Linguistic Lens: How Words Shape Reality

These words do more than describe our experience—they shape how we understand it. "Brain rot" gives us a language to critique our digital consumption. "Manifest" provides a framework for understanding our aspirations. They're not just words; they're cultural tools for making sense of a complex world.

What's remarkable is how self-aware these terms are. We're not passive victims of technology but active commentators. Gen Z, in particular, has an incredible ability to create content, critique that content, and laugh at themselves in the process.

Personal Reflections and Real-Life Scenarios

In my own life, I can see the relevance of Brain Rot. Spending too much time scrolling through social media often leaves me feeling unproductive and mentally tired. It’s easy to lose hours watching entertaining but shallow content, which makes it harder to focus on studies or creative pursuits.

At the same time, Manifest resonates with me as a symbol of hope. I’ve tried creating vision boards and writing down goals as a way to stay motivated. While these practices have helped me focus, I’ve also realized that simply “manifesting” isn’t enough without hard work. Both words connect with everyday struggles and inspire reflection on how we balance our use of time and energy.

Conclusion: The Power of Language in Shaping Society

Language is more than a means of communication; it is a tool for understanding and shaping our world. Words like “Brain Rot” and “Manifest” remind us of the power of language to capture the essence of human experience—its struggles, hopes, and complexities. They invite us to reflect on how we navigate the challenges of modern life while striving for a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

As we move forward, let us be mindful of the words we choose to define our lives and societies. Whether they highlight our challenges or illuminate our aspirations, they are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit. After all, the words we embrace today shape the stories we tell tomorrow.

Words: 678

References:

Barad, Dilip. “Brain Rot and Manifest.” Brain Rot and Manifest, 1 Jan. 1970, blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/12/brain-rot-and-manifest.html. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024. 

The Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year 2024, dictionary.cambridge.org/editorial/word-of-the-year. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024. 

“Oxford Word of the Year 2024.” Oxford University Press, 2 Dec. 2024, corp.oup.com/word-of-the-year/. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.