Ulysses in Bengali

On Translating Ulysses

On many occasions, I have clearly outlined the artistic outcome I aim to achieve through my translation of Ulysses into Bengali: to produce the finest foreign translation of Joyce’s most discussed work. This ambition has been sparked by the unsatisfactory quality of the existing translations I have encountered, which is understandably due to the immense challenge of translating Ulysses into a foreign language.

I have already engaged in discussions with the James Joyce Centre in Dublin and a few Joyce scholars, all of whom are enthusiastic about assisting me. However, the assistance I have sought, specifically an evaluation of my work, though the translation is still in progress, faces apparent challenges for two reasons: 1. The individuals I am in contact with, while relevant, do not know Bengali, and 2. My assertion may elicit skepticism, primarily because it is more convenient to uphold the belief that Ulysses is not entirely accessible, a notion not devoid of its own foundation.

Ulysses will be translated into Bengali, and it will stand as one of the most accessible versions of Ulysses without compromising Joyce’s artistry. I invite all interested parties to challenge my claim by scrutinizing what has already been published. Here, as a sample, you can read the Bengali translation of Chapter/Episode 9 of Ulysses.