There are many manuscripts of ancient literature. To popularize the literature or article or to make it accessible worldwide, it is necessary to translate those texts.
While translating any scientific literature or any form of communication the synonyms are used to search for better words to fit into the context. There are many words which are interpreted differently in different cultures. There are words of which there doesn’t exist any synonyms in another language.
The main problem is learning and findings of ancient scholars have not reached to us in a meaningful way as described and understood by those scholars. There is a wide generation gap because of this translating transformation.
I have seen teachers trying the various form of easy and simple words to describe content or topic in a classroom. It is necessary to describe these hard-wired topics in simplistic form so a majority of students can understand that. However, it is also important not to modify those meaning into its synonyms. A word must be understood in a way described in the dictionary. It raises the question that there are hundreds of dictionary, which one is to prefer for ideal definitions? There are hundreds of languages which meaning is consistent with all language? I do not know as of now what could be the best solution for above. However, the distinction between a word and its synonyms is a really important parameter for equality learning.
An Interpretation of a word and time taken to interpret does vary depending on student’s genetics, culture, surroundings etc.
Time taken to interpret: If we can be creative enough then we may reduce the time taken to grasp a word or sentence. However, the time syncing of each student of a class is an impossible task with present technology and knowledge.
Interpretation of a Word:
If each child interprets a word in a similarly identically, we are assured that the foundation of terminology has been implemented. It is now easier to understand theories or any hard-wired topics.
Being sloppy is not a problem or concern here. Only concern is to understand that there is a difference between a word & its synonyms.
Next time when you are reading any ancient literature or translation, do remember that it has been transformed, it might have most of its substance, but it has its original meaning saved in a writer’s cerebellum. The interpretation of what writers want to say may not be what your mind is anticipating.
Avinamaurya 