The translation methodology used by Acharya Ariyadasa Kumarasinghe in the provision of a Sinhala translation and commentary of Caraka Samhita

Abstract

This research article concerning the critical compilation of the translation methodology used by Ariyadasa Kumarasinghe in the provision of a Sinhala commentary of the Caraka Samhita. Mainly this research is comprises of three parts. Namely, the main source of the Caraka samhita (Sanskrit text), target text of Caraka Samhita (Sinhala translation) and the translation methodology used. Both the Caraka Samhita and the translation of languages have a long history. The Caraka Samhita is the main medical text in Ayurveda. When translating scientific facts from one language to another we cannot underestimate the responsibility of the translator. Furthermore, when providing a commentary, it has to be extremely accurate because this is a medical text. Among the facts to be considered in the translation of languages are the lexicon, grammar, idioms and the background of the relevant language culture. The translator needs to be aware of these facts. Since this translation supplies the meaning and purpose of words, we can consider this as a traditional language translation. While using the facts mentioned earlier, the translator must furnish the main thrust of the original author and supply a medical scientific compilation. The aim of this research is to recognize the methodology used by Ariyadasa Kumarasinghe in the compilation in Sinhala translation of Caraka Samhita. The methodology of language translation and the relevant theories were studied primarily. Among them the recognition of study sectors of translation of languages was considered as of great importance. For this, a primary Study of works and documents of translation theoreticians such as Eugin Needa, Wills, Rojer Gofin, James Homes and Kikairo was done accordingly. The procedure applied for this research is the process oriented descriptive translation study presented by James Homes. Using this translation methodology the present research has given an impartial and reasonable judgment on the process used by the translator.