The Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has embarked on an ambitious project. Aims to create a glossary of 50,000 technical terms translated from English to Gujarati.
This initiative aims to assist mainstream students studying technical subjects in regional languages by providing accurate and context-appropriate translations.
Challenges Faced by GTU with Literal Translations:
Previous attempts at literal translations have often resulted in unsuitable terms for technical curricula. For instance, translating “python” (a programming language) as “ajar” (a snake) or “point” as “Bindu” (a dot) failed to convey the intended technical meaning.
To address these issues, GTU’s glossary will retain certain English terms, such as Otto engine, Newton, and turbine, avoiding literal translations that may confuse students.
To ensure the glossary’s accuracy, at least 20 experts from the engineering field, divided into two panels of ten members each, are contributing their knowledge. These experts carefully consider the various connotations of terms across different branches of engineering. For example, “point” can mean a location in civil engineering, a dot in mathematics, and a node in electrical engineering.
Translation Strategy:
The project avoids translating technical jargon that does not have a meaningful Gujarati equivalent, making terms easier for students to remember. For instance, “computer” is translated to “sanganak,” a Sanskrit and Hindi term also adopted in Gujarati. Prof. Ajay Parikh from Gujarat University emphasized the importance of retaining certain technical terms in English for clarity.
The project, overseen by the CSTT under the Ministry of Education, is about 70% complete.
The panel of experts has reviewed over 32,000 words. The CSTT aims to evolve and define scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages, ensuring that students, teachers, scholars, scientists, and officials understand them.
Review Meetings and Future Goals by GTU:
Five review meetings have been conducted, with a target of completing the glossary by July. Hindi translations done by other experts are being used as references for Gujarati and Sanskrit translations. The panel, comprising experts from the mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics, and communication branches, is meticulously reviewing 50,000 words.
Prof. Rajul Gajjar, Vice Chancellor of GTU Ahmedabad, highlighted the project’s significance in supporting vernacular students.
The glossary will facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE)’s policy of preparing question papers in regional languages, including English.
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