CHAPTER 1

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Excuse me sir, but may I be of assistance?”	“Chiedo scusa, signore, posso esserle d’aiuto?”	Differences mainly affect the kind of style used to approach. 
Translations are quite similar, except for the “but” in the English quotation.
 	
Reason for choice: 
Analysis of different expressions used in a first approach		
Analysis:
The main difference the intelligent reader can notice here is the different ways language makes meaning: the English quotation gives space to a very formal way to approach, typical of someone who speaks to a powerful man: this is also witnessed by the “but” which might be interpreted as a “maybe” which strengthens the idea of an official request ; indeed the Italian one is only an ordinary way to offer help, similar to one of a clerk which addresses a customer in a shop.		
Possible conclusion:
The narrator in the English quotation succeeded in expressing his feeling of unease (or perhaps inferiority) in comparison with the American interlocutor, even though, on the other hand, he wanted to underline, despite of his Pakistani origins, his fluency in speaking the other language in an uncommon style quite far from a colloquial one. 		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“This is a dream come true” […] “I have access to this beautiful campus, to professors who are titans in their fields and fellow students who are philosopher-kings in the making”	“Questo è un sogno diventato realtà […] ho accesso a questo splendido campus, a professori che sono titani nel proprio campo e a studenti che sono principi della filosofia in gestazione”	The English quotation seems to underline the immediacy of the action, according to verb tenses, while the Italian one gives the idea of a concluded process.
The final words both underlines the continuity of philosophical thought.	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations given to words and consequent different translations 		
Analysis:
Considering verb tenses it’s clear how the English quotation underlines the precise moment of the dream coming true: immediately after his first access to the campus his perceptions funnel in the meaningful sentence which perfectly express his feelings. On the other hand the Italian one doesn’t seem to convey the same effect, focusing on the result of the process.		
Possible conclusion:
The English narrator better spread the concept of Changez’s American dream, while the Italian version lost a bit of expressive concreteness omitting to adopt the verb tense (simple present) which would have conveyed a pragmatic immediacy of the concept.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Sell yourself, what makes you special? […] I’m sure you’re smart, but none of the people I’m talking today has any B”	“Si venda. Cos’è che la rende speciale? […] Non dubito della sua intelligenza, ma nessuna delle persone che vedo oggi ha mai preso meno del massimo”	English quotation seems to create a closer relationship between the  two speakers, while the Italian one underlines a formal style typical during a job interview. This effect may reflect the concept of a job interview in different countries.	
Reason for choice: 
The first words catch the attention for their belonging to semantic field of economy; moreover the reader understands the importance given to meritocracy to judge the trainees and also the different substance of education in different cultures.		
Analysis:
Right from the first words the reader notices the use of words belonging to the world of economy, which recalls the sector in which Underwood Samson works. Moreover the use of specific marks, which is not reported in the Italian translation, is linked with American educational system, which, the reader knows, is different from Italian one and certainly with Pakistani too.		
Possible conclusion:
The English quotation seems to convey the idea of how a job interview works in the USA: despite of the hard work of students  to hit the big time, meritocracy guarantees a brilliant career for deserving trainees (Jim immediately likes Changez for his way of facing problems and tries to make him feeling at ease, creating a pleasant atmosphere but clarifying right from the start who commands). 		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Do not look so suspicious […] After all, it is not as if it has been poisoned. Come, if it makes you more comfortable, let me switch my cup with  yours. Just so.”	“Non abbia quell’aria diffidente. […] Dopotutto non è mica avvelenato. Andiamo, se la fa sentire meglio posso scambiare la mia tazza con la sua. Ecco.”	In the English quotation the narrator seems to do whatever he can to make his interlocutor feel at ease, while in the Italian one the speaking voice seems teased for the American’s behaviour and attitudes.	
Reason for choice: 
Different importance given to potential prejudices linked to different cultures meeting		
Analysis:
The English quotation gives the impression to create a comfortable atmosphere: it’s like Changez is aware of the Western prejudice towards Eastern world and accept it, or better, he gives it for proved. Nevertheless he doesn’t seem to blame the American, doing everything he can to avoid further tensions. Instead the Italian version seems to underline Changez’s annoyance for the American attitudes.  		
Possible conclusion:
The narrator’s purpose might be to convey the idea that as Americans (Western people in general) are not all undercover assassins, also Pakistani (Eastern world) are not all potential terrorists.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“The sky was brilliant blue, so different from the orange, dusty sky above us today and I felt something well up inside me, a sense of pride so strong that it made me lift my head and yell as much to my own surprise as I am sure it was to the other students passing by “ Thank you God”	“Il cielo era di un blu squillante, così diverso dal polveroso cielo arancione che ci sovrasta oggi, e sentivo qualcosa che si faceva strada dentro di me, un senso di orgoglio così forte che alzai la testa e urlai, sorprendendo tanto me quanto gli altri studenti di passaggio “Grazie Dio”	The English version is full of specific words which convey a precise meaning, the Italian is a mere translation less functional to express Changez’s feelings. 	
Reason for choice: 
Different meanings conferred to words according to sensations felt at that precise moment		
Analysis:
English  language seems to be the one which can catch different shades of meaning, also thank to a lexicon full of words with precise significances. For example the verb “yell” conveys the idea of a delightful shout which witnesses the frenzy for employment at US. Italian language can’t get this sensations, because it only underlines the act of screaming.		
Possible conclusion:
The exhilarating situation and the bond of feelings inside the speaking voice seem to influence his way of seeing the world:  the example of the sky, opposed to the orange one in Pakistan, is here meaningful.		
 
CHAPTER 2 

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Do you see those girls, walking there, in jeans speckled with paint? Yes, they are attractive”	“Vede quelle ragazze che camminano laggiù, in jeans chiazzati di vernice? Si, sono davvero attraenti”	Italian language seems to give a bad connotation which might be interpreted under the profile of cultural discrimination.	
Reason for choice: 
Different shades of meaning and consequent different interpretations in cultural meeting.		
Analysis:
Changez here refers to a group of attractive Western girls variously dressed which has caught their gaze, highlighting their objective beauty which overtakes cultural mental blocks. The Italian quotation seems to bring the same message, even if it creates distance between cultural standards of beauty and, more generally, between East and West of world, given by the translations “laggiù” and “chiazzati”.		
Possible conclusion:
As seen in the analysis of quotation from the first chapter the Italian quotation seems not to catch precise messages the original narrator wanted to convey, often emphasizing a bad connotation of language used.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Not boring polite. Respectful polite. You give people their space. I really like that. It’s unusual”	“Non intendo in quel senso, non cortese nel senso di noioso. Cortese nel senso di rispettoso. Lasci alle persone il loro spazio. Questo mi piace. È inusuale”	The English quotation counts 16 words, while the Italian one 27. And yet the first better express the message.	
Reason for choice: 
Different length of quotations: English words are full of meaning. 		
Analysis:
Italian language needs idiomatic expressions to make the reader understand what the narrator wants to convey, while the English language which benefits of meaningful words, functional to express different significances according to circumstances.		
Possible conclusion:
The narrator succeeded in expressing the idea he wanted to convey by using a few words, while the Italian quotation, even using a higher number of words, don’t manage in conveying the precise message.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I would be delighted to do so, sir”	“Ne sarei deliziata, signore”	The situation is paradoxically turned upside down: the Italian translation is shorter than the English one.	
Reason for choice: 
A peculiar formal expression from Changez, similar to the first one of the novel, is here pronounced by Erica 		
Analysis:
Despite of the use of a less complex syntax in comparison with the English quotation, here the Italian one seems to go straight to the point: even by using a few words the ironic formal style comes to surface and better express their chemistry typical at the beginning of a relationship. 		
Possible conclusion:
While the English quotation here needed the use of more words to convey the ironic complicity, the Italian one made it clear in a more immediate way.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“It’s remarkable, I must say, how being in Pakistan heightens one’s sensitivity to the sight of a woman’s body”	“È straordinario, devo dire, come il fatto di trovarsi in Pakistan accresce la sensibilità alla vista del corpo femminile”	Differences here mainly affect lexicon, syntax is quite similar. English language prefers a nominal style, as usual, while Italian translations convert nouns into adjectives, also with different shades of meaning. 	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations while facing the matter of meeting of different cultures and genders (the woman’s body)		
Analysis:
Considering the Eastern context in which the two characters hold their “dramatic monologue”, it’s interesting to notice how cultural interpretations might be influenced according to circumstances. It’s clear here the inclination to perceive by means of senses, especially sight, the concept of the body: the English quotation seems to create distance between the speaker and the “untouchable” woman’s body, also thank to the nominal style, while the Italian one, by using an adjective, appears to highlight the closeness with it. 		
Possible conclusion:
These conjectures reflect, in a way or another, the two different ideas of the feminine body: the novelist seems to underline Eastern mentality, while the Italian translator used words closer to the European (Western in general) concept of it.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“What does your writing look like? , I said “ Urdu is similar to Arabic, but we have more letters”	“Com’è la vostra scrittura? Le dissi che l’urdu è simile all’arabo, solo che ci sono più lettere”	The main difference here is the lack of direct speech which characterizes the English quotation.	
Reason for choice: 
Italian translation doesn’t report the quotation with direct speech		
Analysis:
Here the main differences affect syntax, lexicon is quite similar. Indeed, as the reader can notice, the Italian translation does not report the first person pronouns “I” and “we”, essential for the final interpretation. The novelist’s choice of direct speech strengthens the speaking voice’s words, also thank to the insistence of the first person pronouns not present in the Italian reported speech. 		
Possible conclusion:
The novelist wanted to convey the idea of patriotism inside Changez: his love for his homeland is connoted by the direct speech and strengthened by the pronouns. He wants to pronounce directly his words to Erica, maybe for his unaware desire to put himself closer to his culture, his family and his traditions.		

CHAPTER 3
Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Or, I should say, it has such a soothing effect to us, for you, sir, continue to appear ill at ease. I hope you will not mind my saying so, but the frequency and purposefulness with which you glance about – a steady tick- tick-tick seeming to beat in your head as you move your gaze from one point to the next – brings to mind the behaviour of an animal that has ventured too far from its lair and is now, in unfamiliar surroudings, uncertain whether it is predator or prey! Come relinquish your foreigner's sense of being watched”	“O forse dovrei dire che ha un effetto confortante per noi, perchè lei, signore continua a sembrarmi a disagio. Non vorrei che se ne risentisse, ma la frequenza e la determinazione con cui si guarda intono, come se nella sua testa pulsasse un regolare tic tac mentre sposta lo sguardo da un punto all'altro, mi fa pensare a un animale che si è avventurato troppo lontano dalla tana e non sa più, in un ambiente sconosciuto, se è un predatore o una preda. Andiamo, metta da parte la sensazione di essere osservato, tipica dello straniero”	Syntax is quite similar: both quotations are arranged into three periods. Moreover the English one is more efficient in conveying the connotation of the foreigner’s behaviour.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation expresses the foreigner’s ordinary attitudes when someone is plunged into a different cultural context and tends to act, maybe unconsciously, in a different way.		
Analysis:
English version’s incisiveness is connoted by the onomatopoeia of “tick” and also thank to punctuation (!), which makes the dialogue as a sort of reproach. In both quotations the parallelism prey/predator is reported, even if with different effects: in the English version the narrator recalls the relationship with family thank to the adjective ”unfamiliar”, while the Italian translation “sconosciuto” creates distance from the closeness connoted in the family context. 		
Possible conclusion:
Both quotations denounce the feelings people may have when they face a different context (a kind of “culture shock”). The English version almost highlights a tone of reproach for the attitude, while the Italian one seems only to report the behaviour.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I was immediately a New Yorker. What? My voice is rising? You are right; I tend to become sentimental when I think of that city. It still occupies a place of great fondness in my heart”	“Mi ritrovai ad essere immediatamente newyorkese. Come? Sto alzando la voce? Ha ragione; divento sentimentale quando penso a quella città. Suscita ancora una grande tenerezza nel mio cuore”	Both versions adopt different ways of building the sentence, sometimes replacing the subject with the object and vice versa. 	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation shows how Changez gradually integrates in a different country		
Analysis:
Right from the beginning the intelligent reader notices differences about the rhetorical question, where the English quotation seems to underline the involuntariness of the act. In addition in the following sentence we find the verb “tend”, which in the Italian version is translated as “divento”. So the first connotes the progress towards sentimentalism, while the second underlines the certainty of the act.		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation is interesting to understand the changes people may have when they move to another country.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“..the power of the view from their lobby. This, I realized, was another world from Pakistan; supporting my feet were the achievements of the most technologically advanced civilization our species had ever known. Often during my stay in your country, such comparisons troubled me.” 	“alla potenza della vista del loro salone. Era veramente un altro mondo rispetto al Pakistan; a sostenere i mie piedi erano i prodotti della civiltà più tecnologicamente avanzata che la nostra specie avesse mai conosciuto.. Spesso, nel corso della permanenza nel vostro paese, questo tipo di confronti mi turbava”	Both quotations convey the idea of an economic power after meant as a figurative one.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation brings to surface cultural differences between American and Pakistani culture from the point of view of Changez.		
Analysis:
It’s interesting to focus on lexical choices: for example the verb “troubled” literally translated in the Italian version, conveys the effect on Changez of distance from the two cultures. 		
Possible conclusion:
The pronouns “I”, “my”, “our”, “me” reinforce the contrast between American culture and Pakistani one. Moreover, also thank to the verb “troubled”, they both convey a sense of anger.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“To be reminded of this vast disparity was, for me, to be ashamed”	“Una così enorme disparità provocava in me un senso di vergogna”	The verb at the beginning and at the end of the quotation highlights physical consequences that melt inside Changez.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation let the reader focus on which effects technological disparity might have on Changez.		
Analysis:
The expression “to be reminded”, omitted in the Italian version, highlights the importance for Changez of being reminded. Furthermore in both quotations it’s highlighted how the effect is different according to people. 		
Possible conclusion:
In both cases the gap between Pakistan and America evokes in Changez a sense of shame, or better, a feeling of awareness of how that disparity may be so dishonorable.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“But why do you recoil? Ah yes, this beggar is a particularly unfortunate fellow. One can only wonder what series of accidents could have left him so thoroughly disfigured. He draws close to you because you are a foreigner. Will you give him something? No? Very wise”	“Ma perchè si ritrae? Ah sì, questo mendicante è un tipo davvero sfortunato. C'è da chiedersi che sorta di incidente possa averlo trasfigurato così. Le viene vicino perchè lei è uno straniero. Vuole dargli qualcosa? No? Molto saggio”	The words “sorta” and “così” in the Italian version hide a prejudicial behaviour towards foreigners.	
Reason for choice: 
Quotations compare two different foreigners 		
Analysis:
The quotations present two different beggar’s description. In the original version misery is the result of a sequence of events, or better, a process; instead in the Italian version it is the consequence of a turning point or event. Moreover in the English version the beggar’s condition conveys, thank to a longer expression (“could have left him so thoroughly disfigured”), a feeling compassion.
Finally both quotations end with the same expression (“very wise” = “molto saggio”) which suggests a sense of mistrust.
		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation allows to focus on the foreigner’s characterization. As the beggar elicits a melt of reactions in the pedestrians, the same are conveyed in Americans by Changez. Here disparity between social classes and cultures involves a suspicious behaviour towards lower people.		

CHAPTER 4
Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“It was a testament to the open -mindedness and – that overused word – cosmopolitan nature of New York in those days that I felt completely comfortable on the subway in this attire”
 	“È una conferma dell'apertura mentale e della natura cosmopolita – che parola abusata – di New York in quei giorni il fatto che mi sentissi del tutto a mio agio in metropolitana vestito in quel modo”	There aren’t many differences. Perhaps the Italian translation emphasizes Western prejudice, with idiomatic derogatory expressions.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation allows to reflect on cultural differences.		
Analysis:
The two versions both unveil Changez’s willingness to adapt to Western life, thank to the use of the word “cosmopolitan” and considering his feeling at ease with an unusual dress for Eastern people. 		
Possible conclusion:
Italian language better highlights distance between people’s cultural borders, emphasizing the prejudice towards other people.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“As we took our seats for the meal, he lifted a bottle of red wine and said to me, “You drink?” “He’s twenty-two”, Erica’s mother said on my behalf, in a tone that suggested, So of course he drinks. “I had a Pakistani working for me once, “Erica’s father said “Never drank.” “I do, sir,” I assured him “Thank you.””
 	“Mentre sedevamo ai rispettivi posti, prese una bottiglia divino rosso e mi chiese se bevevo “Ha ventidue anni”, la madre di Erica intervenne in mia vece con un tono che sottintendeva: Ovvio che beve. “Una volta c’era un Pakistano che lavorava per me, - disse il padre di Erica. – “Non beveva mai”. “Io bevo, signore”, - gli assicurai. – Grazie”	While the English quotation seems to give life to an animated discussion thank to direct speech, the Italian one, using a reported speech, appears to soothe the conversation avoiding to sharpen the cultural conflict.	
Reason for choice: 
Erica’s father judges Changez at first sight as a Pakistani, recalling the theme of cultural prejudice.		
Analysis:
Erica’s father mental block, also witnessed by the expression “I had a Pakistani working for me” which connotes a degree of submission of whoever is from Eastern world, is clear when he can’t imagine each Pakistani can make choices, but considering their culture commitments. Here it’s Erica’s mother which intervenes to cut possible tensions between them.		
Possible conclusion:
Even if Changez always shows his politeness, witnessed by expressions he adopts at the end of the quotations to address Erica’s father, there are many examples of how Western people can make them feel unease.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Indeed, in our poetry and folk songs intoxication occupies a recurring role as a facilitator of love and spiritual enlightenment” 	“Tra l'altro nella nostra poesia e nei nostri canti popolari l'intossicazione occupa un ruolo ricorrente come promotrice dell'amore e dell'illuminazione spirituale.”	Differences mainly affect lexicon.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation highlights cultural differences.		
Analysis:
In addition to different textual connectives at the beginning of the sentence, the reader notices how first person pronouns distinguish Pakistani culture from American one (the interlocutor here stands for his culture). Besides the word “intoxication”, which often has a negative connotation, has a basic role in Eastern culture.		
Possible conclusion:
Both versions convey the idea of separation, or better distinction, between Western and Eastern culture, also thank to a frequent use of first person pronouns.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“he said, “Economy's falling apart though, no? Corruption, dictatorship, the rich living like princes while everyone else suffers. Solid people don't get me wrong. I like Pakistanis. But the elite has raped that place well and good, right? And fundamentalism. You guys have got some serious problems with fundamentalism”	“quando lui disse:”L'economia è sull'orlo del collasso, non è vero? Corruzione, dittatura, i ricchi che vivono come principi mentre tutti gli altri soffrono. Gente solida, non mi fraintenda. I pakistani mi piacciono. Ma l'elite ha fatto una vera e propria razzia, giusto? E poi il fondamentalismo. Laggiù avete seri problemi col fondamentalismo”	The structures are quite similar except for two main differences. Indeed two different metaphors are used to connote Pakistan’s economic crisis and the two narrators adopt different words for Pakistani’s characterization.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotations allows to draw the reader’s attention  on Erica’s father’s prejudices which  metonymically represent American people. So here the reader can reflect on the theme of fundamentalism.		
Analysis:
Crisis represented into two different moments: the original version connotes it as an irreparable situation, while the Italian one highlights Pakistani’s critic, but still recoverable, situation. Furthermore Pakistani are described in different ways: “you guys” and “Laggiù”. The Italian version seems to imply the subject and the adverb “laggiù” defines local borders giving a bad idea of Pakistan. On the other hand in the English version the subject is reinforced by a further pronouns juxtaposed to “guys”.		
Possible conclusion:
In conclusion in the English version the narrator illustrates Pakistan’s critic events as they really are, while Italian language hides a deeper criticism towards Pakistani.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I felt myself bridle. There was nothing overtly objectionable in what he had said; indeed, his was a summary with some knowledge, much like the short news items on the front page of The Wall Street Journal, which I had recently begun to read. But his tone – with, if you will forgive me, its typically American undercurrent of condescension -struck a negative chord with me, and it was only out of politeness that I limited my response”
	“Mi accorsi di essermi adombrato. In quello che aveva detto non c'era niente di propriamente sbagliato; anzi il suo era un sunto piuttosto informato, un po' come le notizie in breve in prima pagina del Wall Street Journal che da qualche tempo leggevo. Ma il suo tono, con quel, mi perdonerà se lo dico, sentore di condiscendenza tipicamente americano, aveva toccato una corda negativa dentro di me, e fu solo per pura cortesia che limitai la mia risposta”	The two versions present two different interpretations of the effect of Erica’s father’s words inside Changez.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation brings to surface cultural differences between West and East. In particular it highlights that unconscious (or aware?) Americans’ (Western people) predisposition to consider themselves superior on Pakistani (Eastern people).		
Analysis:
The common soliloquy is a clever way to convey Changez’s point of view. While the English expression “I felt myself bridle” connotes his self-control in answering Erica’s father, the Italian version better underlines the negative inner feelings which made him show his disgust for Erica’s father way of addressing and approaching. 		
Possible conclusion:
Despite of ordinary behaviour Changez adopts to adapt to American life (he often reads the Wall Street Journal), there are many other’s attitudes which gradually made him think if his American dream were so convenient. 		

CHAPTER 5 
Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
”They are successful urban dwellers, like you and I, swift enough to escape detection and canny enough to hunt among a crowd.”	“Sono cittadini di successo, come me e lei, abbastanza svelti da non lasciarsi sorprendere e abbastanza guardinghi da andare a caccia in mezzo alla folla.”	Differences mainly affects syntax; the Italian one seems heavier, while the English one prefers a common nominal style.

Reason for choice: 
The two characters are here put into comparison, as idiomatic expressions create a parallelism between them.		
Analysis:
The expression at the end of the quotations are referred to the two characters: they both seem to own same skills, which are emphasized, as for survival in a difficult situation.		
Possible conclusion:
The characterizations put the American and the Pakistani on the same level: they are compared each other, as they both experienced sensations typical of cultural shock while living a difficult and uncomfortable situation. 		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I felt in that moment much closer to the Filipino driver than to him; I felt I was play-acting when in reality I ought to be making my way home, like the people on the street outside”	“In quel momento mi sentivo molto più vicino al conducente filippino che a lui; mi sentivo come uno che recita una parte, quando in realtà avrei dovuto vivere la mia vita a casa mia, come la gente per strada lì fuori.”	The two versions use different expressions. For example "I ought to be making my way home"  does not have a corresponding translation.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation draws the reader's attention on the figure of the foreigner.		
Analysis:
The quotation shows Changez’s incapacity  to coexist with a different culture, although he is forced to play the part putting aside his desires. Indeed he is aware of the opportunity to go back home. The repetition of the possessive pronoun "my" highlights his willingness to satisfy his desires.		
Possible conclusion:
Changez's desire to retrieve his life connotes the incommunicability between Pakistani and American culture. It is not Changez's fault but it is a consequence of prejudices towards foreigners.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I stared as one – and then the other – of the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center collapsed. And then I smiled. Yes, despicable as it may sound, my initial reaction was to be remarkably pleased”	“Ma continuai a guardare e mi resi conto che non era una finzione ma una notizia. Vidi crollare prima una e poi l’altra delle torri gemelle del World Trade Center di New York. E allora sorrisi. Sì, per quanto possa apparire deprecabile, la mia prima reazione fu di notevole compiacimento”	There aren’t many differences, only the English version is fuller of verbs than the Italian one: this connotes the event’s dynamism.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation suggests recalls differences between the two cultures.		
Analysis:
The malevolent smile draws the attention on Changez’s cultural values, which can’t let him identify with the victims. It's interesting  the use of verbs like "to watch" and " stared ", which highlights the action of looking carefully.		
Possible conclusion:
Changez's reaction highlights how each culture and people in general tend to give prejudices according to cultural values.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I was caught up in the symbolism of it all, the fact that someone had so visibly brought America to her knees”	“Ero colpito dal simbolismo della cosa, dal fatto che qualcuno fosse riuscito a mettere in ginocchio gli Stati Uniti.”	The main difference between the two quotes is the adverb "visibly" not present in the Italian version.	
Reason for choice: 
The quote points out Changez's idea on the event.		
Analysis:
The speaking voice is aware of the "symbolism" (something very common in Eastern culture) of the attack. The adverb highlights how America has been "brought to her knees" in a publically way, so that the entire world could see its catastrophic situation. 		
Possible conclusion:
The quote allows to witness Changez's amazement in seeing that even a lower cultural code has a clear power, not only in the mere sense of the word.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I flew to New York uncomfortable in my own face: I was aware of being under suspicion; I felt guilty; I tried therefore to be as nonchalant as possible […]. When we arrived, I was separated from my team at immigration”	“Volai a New York sentendomi a disagio con me stesso: ero consapevole di essere sospetto, mi sentivo in colpa e cercavo di comportarmi nel modo più naturale possibile […] All’arrivo venni separato dagli altri al controllo passaporti Loro si unirono alla fila dei cittadini statunitensi; io mi unii a quella degli stranieri.”	In the English version shorter words are used to connote the mental condition of the narrator.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation highlights the attack's consequences on Changez’s life.		
Analysis:
Short sentences unveil Changez's anxiety, he feels guilty for American people’s thought about him and his counterparts. In addition the repetition of the first person pronouns connote the influence of the situation's description according to the protagonist’s experience. In the English version , the narrator uses the word " immigration " which has the function to lower even further the level of the stranger.		
Possible conclusion:
Thank to the quotation the reader can immediately make a mental picture of Changez’s changes in ordinary life: for example at the airport he is separated from his colleagues for further checks. Not even his business travel can make him innocent at first sight: his appearance is the most important aspect.		

CHAPTER 6
Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“ You hesitate, sir; I did not mean to put you on the spot. If you are not yet ready to reveal your purpose in travelling here […] then I will not insist”	“Lei esita, signore, non intendevo metterla alle strette. Se non si sente ancora pronto a rivelare il proposito che l’ha condotta qui.”	The main difference affects lexicon: the key word which opens the road towards different interpretations is "purpose".	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations of the key word "purpose"		
Analysis:
The English word "purpose" is translated into "proposito" in the Italian quotation. The first version seems to underline, also thank to the verb "travelling", that the American came  to Pakistan with a specific purpose, even if the verb "travelling" diminishes that acceptation. On the other hand in the Italian one the hidden meaning is emphasized by the verb "condurre", while the noun has a less powerful effect.		
Possible conclusion:
The two quotations seem to create the same effect, one by means of a verb, the other thank to a verb. This witnesses English language inclination to nominal style and Italian language predisposition to a verbal language.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“We are America – not New York, which in my opinion, means something quite different- the mightiest civilization the world has ever known; you have slighted us; beware our wrath”	“Tutti sembravano proclamare: noi siamo l’America - non New York, che a mio parere significa qualcosa di molto diverso- , la civiltà più potente che il mondo abbia mai conosciuto, ci avete provocato, adesso vedrete scatenarsi la nostra ira.  ”	The two versions differ mainly for one particular reason: the first person pronoun in the sentence.	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations of American patriotism
		
Analysis:
The use of the first person pronoun "We" in the English quotation does not seem to convey the same message in comparison with the Italian one. In English language the novelist chose to write it in capital letters, to better express the idea of patriotism common between Americans, while the Italian translator, without reporting that particular, didn't manage in creating the same effect.		
Possible conclusion:
American patriotism is very different from European one: only the novelist in the original version caught it by insisting on the pronoun "We".		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I was somewhat apprehensive of what she might think of the place- it was, after all, a tiny fraction of the size of her own home.”	“Ero un po’ preoccupato del suo giudizio, dopotutto come dimensioni non era che una minuscola frazione della sua casa”	Changez's impressions of what a rich person like Erica might have thought about his humble flat, while the Italian one underlines her potential judgmental attitude	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations of other's people opinion.		
Analysis:
English version's words are shorter than the Italian ones: this might communicate the idea of the flat's exiguity. Moreover the Italian translation seems to highlight, thank to the word "giudizio", a mental predisposition to judgment differently conveyed by the circumlocution in the English one.		
Possible conclusion:
While the fond Changez tries to think optimistically about Erica and Western people, the Italian version does not seem to report the same influence feelings like love may have on observations towards the other, rather highlighting the inclination to judge of Erica, and of Western people in general.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“The pride of her stance, the slender muscularity of her arms and shoulders, the failure of her garments to cloak the memory of those naked breasts I had seen in Greece: all these things filled me with desire”	“La fierezza del suo portamento, la muscolosità delle braccia e delle spalle, l’impossibilità dei suoi abiti di cancellare il ricordo dei seni nudi che avevo visto in Grecia: tutto ciò mi riempiva di desiderio”	Differences here mainly affect lexical choices, because syntax is quite similar.	
Reason for choice: 
Analysis of verb tenses and consequent different sensations created in the reader.		
Analysis:
The English quotation better defines borders between two dimensions: present and past. The word "stance" highlights the state of being contemporary, while the Italian corresponding "portamento" doesn't seem to create the same effect of distance from the following past tenses.		
Possible conclusion:
English words are the unique to catch the precise meaning they want to convey, Italian language is more unprepared and lacks of significant words.		

Quotations
Original version			Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I held her in my arms, as we lay there, she told me I was the first man she had been with since Chris – indeed, other than Chris”	“La tenni tra le braccia, e mentre stavamo sdraiati vicini, mi disse che ero il primo uomo con cui stava dopo Chris, in effetti l’unico uomo oltre Chris”	The expression to focus on coincides with the last words of the quotations, when different interpretations about Chris are given.	
Reason for choice: 
Different interpretations of diversity in a multicultural context.		
Analysis:
The English quotation seems to highlight the role of Chris in Erica's life, highlighting his uniqueness, as the words 	"other" and "since" connote it. The Italian version can't bring to surface that interpretation, because its corresponding words "dopo" and "oltre" don't create similar sensations.		
Possible conclusion:
English language seems to have more means to express different ideas, also thank to a direct correspondence with the novelist's choices which are not reported by the Italian translator.		

CHAPTER 7
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I ignored as best as I could the rumors I overheard at the Pak-Punjab Deli: Pakistani cabdrivers were being beaten to within an inch of their lives; the FBI was raiding mosques, shops, and even people's houses; Muslim men were disappearing, perhaps into shadowy detention centers for questioning or worse. I reasoned that these stories were mostly untrue; the few with some basis in fact were almost certainly being exaggerated; and besides, those rare cases of abuse that regrettably did transpire were unlikely ever to affect me because such things invariably happened, in America as in all countries, to the hapless poor, not to Princeton graduates earning eighty thousand dollar a year." 	“Ignorai per quanto potevo le voci che giravano al Pak-Punjab Deli: tassisti Pakistani quasi ammazzati di botte; incursioni dell’FBI nelle moschee, nei negozi, addirittura nelle case private; uomini mussulmani che sparivano, forse in centri di detenzione segreti per essere interrogati o peggio. Quelle storie erano perlopiù false, mi dicevo; se anche avevano qualche fondamento, di certo venivano gonfiate; inoltre era improbabile che quei rari casi di violenze che purtroppo non si potevano negare arrivassero a toccare me, perché negli Stati Uniti, come in qualunque paese, cose come quelle accadevano regolarmente ai poveri indifesi, non ai laureati di Princeton con uno stipendio di 80000 dollari all’anno”	The Italian version underlines the result created by the World Trade Centre bombing. Instead the English version describes the process of the change also given by the passive form which highlights the victims.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation analyses the theme of the differences between genders. In particular it focuses reader's attention on the prejudices of American people against Pakistanis and so on the differences between cultures and social classes.		
Analysis:
In the both versions there is a syntax of accumulation creating a climax that unveils a sense of fear. Indeed Changez doesn't want to believe everything that 's going on, but at the same time believe that someone like him that works at Underwood Samson cannot be persecuted . Also from the first sentence there are differences in the meaning. Indeed, in the original version Changez defines the voices of other people like noises/rumors and says he has heard the rumors  secretly . This shows that everything is going to describe about the persecution of Pakistanis  may be true or not, but this isn't important because in any case Changez feels fear.		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation allows to reflect on the fact that not all those with beards are terrorists , but not everyone who has an important job they are innocent . Indeed, the fact that Changez earnings $ 80,000 a year doesn't signify that  Changez cannot be persecuted.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"The economy's an animal" Jim continued. "It evolves. First it needed muscle. Now all the blood it could spare was rushing to its brain. That's where I wanted to be. In finance. In the coordination business. And that's where you are. You're blood brought from some part of the body that the species doesn't need anymore. The tailbone. Like me. We came from places that were wasting away" 	"L'economia è un animale"-continuò Jim- Si evolve. Prima ha bisogno di muscoli. Poi tutto il sangue che rimane può affluire al cervello. Era lì che io volevo essere. Nella finanza. Nella centrale di controllo. E ora ci sei anche tu. Tu sei il sangue che affluisce da una parte del corpo di cui la specie non ha più bisogno. La coda. Come me. Noi veniamo da luoghi ormai superflui"	In the Italian translation verb tenses are not present but verbs are in the past.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation allows to reflect on the economic fundamentalism.		
Analysis:
It is interesting uses of the metaphor of animal. The narrators describe the economy as an animal. In the both versions there is the same structure: the narrators use short sentences that create breaks that make the reader thinks. Some sentences hasn't a typical structure (subject, verb, object) and this choice has the function to focus the reader's attention on specific concepts ("In finance"): so the speaking voice breaks the syntax rules.
In the versions there are different temporal adverbs: indeed the English narrator  speaks of a present action , because he wants to create a relationship with the current situation. In addition, the English language uses specific terms such as "to spare" and "to rush" better express the concept of saving as much as possible to take advantage of the maximum. In the English version Jim expresses his desire to be part of the current finance. In the Italian version instead Jim talks even after the change of the economy, as if he would look back to explain to Changez what it is happened . Moreover, the English version is required so that business wants to highlight the desire to coordinate the business . This word does not appear in the translation that it refers to the theme of economic fundamentalism . The most important sentence of the quote is " And that's where you are" which is translated in Italian " e ora ci sei anche tu " . The English version seems to put the experiences of  Jim and Changez on the same level as they occur at the same time . In the Italian translation instead Jim speaks of his own experience in the past, and then he introduces the story of Changez . Indeed the two experiences are the same in the both versions . Jim and Changez weren't been worth nothing in the work. it is also interesting that in English language the singular and plural of  the word "species "  is written in the same way, as to require that there are more and more species. There is not one . Finally, the expression " We came from places that were wasting away " describes precisely the state of anorexia , so the unawareness of being drained until it had been possible.		
Possible conclusion:
In the English version , there are specific terms that describe  better than Italian words . Indeed in many translations are used generic terms that don't allow to create the same effect on the reader . In the English version the narrator through these specific terms as the verbs " to spare " "to rush" and " wasting away " unveil to the reader the emotions that Jim and Changez have tried.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"Focus on the fundamentals. This was Underwood Samson's guiding principle, drilled into us since our first day at work." 	"Concentrati sui fondamenti. Era il principio guida della Underwood Samson, inculcato dentro di noi fin dal primo giorno di lavoro."	In Italian you can omit the subject. On the other hand in English the omission of the subject is an exception that allows the speaking voice to focus on the issue of fundamentalism.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation allows to reflect on the economic fundamentalism, in particular focuses the reader's attention on the fundamentals of Underwood Samson.		
Analysis:
In both versions the expression " focus on the fundamentals" is isolated trough the punctuation . This choice wants to focus the reader's attention to that obligation that the workers had : they must focus their attention on the principle first , essential element underpinning the work . In the original version this is the demonstrative pronoun "this" that emphasizes the concept previously said. In addition, the repetition of the personal and possessive pronoun "us" and "our" want to emphasize the truth of the principle because they have tried it on his own experience .		
Possible conclusion:
In the English version is hidden a criticism of this obligation to the workers, through the word "this" and the personal pronouns . The same verb "to drill" / " inculcare " highlights this duty in someone's mind .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"We built the Royal Mosque and the Shalimar Gardens in this city, and we built the Lahore Fort with its mighty walls and wide ramp for our battle-elephants. And we did these things when your country was still a collection of thirteen small colonies, gnawing away at the edge of a continent"	"Noi abbiamo costruito la Moschea Reale e i giardini Shalimar in questa città, noi abbiamo costruito il Forte di Lahore con le sue mura possenti e la grande scalinata per gli elefanti da battaglia. E abbiamo fatto queste cose quando il vostro paese era ancora un'accozzaglia di tredici piccole colonie aggrappate sull'orlo di un continente."	In the two versions there is a different way of describing the old colonial situation of America : in the English version it is represented as a collection of colonies selected and ordered ; in the Italian translation instead colonies are defined hodgepodge, then a set of messy people.
	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the difference of cultures. In particular it focuses the attention on the superiority of Pakistani culture against the American . This through the recovery of historical events and by Changez's point of view.		
Analysis:
In both versions there is the contrast between the two cultures through personal and possessive pronouns : We / our (Pakistan) versus you / your (America) . Changez wants to demonstrate the superiority of Pakistan through the historic business. In the English version there is a possessive pronoun in the expression "our battle- elephants " who wants to put on evidence the own(of Pakistan) businesses. The last expression " gnawing away at the edge of a continent" is a different translation in Italian " aggrappata sull'orlo di un continente". Indeed, the English version gives the most importance to the state of mind that the situation raised in the Americans , on the other hand the  Italian translation focuses the attention on the location and situation without giving additional information.		
Possible conclusion:
In the Italian version the description of America is more general than in the English version. Indeed in the original version the words also reveal the perspective of Changez , in particular the expression "gnawing away" underlines the fact that America was aware of his inferiority and rode for this reason, although apparently the colonies appeared as a collection selected and ordered.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"Pretend I am him" 	"Facciamo finta che io sia lui"	It is very important that in the both versions the subject is omitted . Indeed, in the English  version the subject is ambiguous, in the  Italian version instead is at  the first plural person (Changez and Erica ).	
Reason for choice: 
This simple quotation allows to reflect on the theme of identity and multiple identities and the reason which led Changez to masquerade as Chris .		
Analysis:
In the English version first then the subject is understood. So it  doesn't make clear who has to pretend: the person may in fact be the first singular or plural as in the translation. Changez accepts anything, even to imagine being someone else for Erica . So he hasn't any consideration for Erica , but he is only the representative of Chris .		
Possible conclusion:
The English language uses very few words but they are full of meaning. Indeed, in just four words the narrator can express the concept but he left it ambiguous ( what is the subject ? ). This choice allow also to reflect on the single figure of Changez .		

CHAPTER 8
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"No, she was not preventing the continuation of a discussion between her daughter and myself; she was merely bringing to an end my intrusion on a conversation Erica was having with Chris- a conversation occurring on some plane that I could not reach or even properly seen." 	"No, non stava impedendo il proseguimento di una conversazione tra me e sua figlia; stava solo ponendo termine alla mia intrusione in una conversazione tra Erica e Chris, una conversazione che si teneva su un piano a cui io non avevo accesso, e che nemmeno riuscivo a percepire."	In the English version , the narrator reveals the hassle and Changez's dislike because he is unable to talk to Erica . Indeed, the English version use the word "discussion" just because there is a desire of Changez to discuss this, but this is not possible because "a conversation occurring on some plane That I could not reach"	
Reason for choice: 
The quotations allows to focus the attention on the theme of identity and multiple identities. 		
Analysis:
In both versions, there is an inner reflection of Changez about what he was feeling. Indeed, he divided himself into two parts: Changez and Chris and he recognizes that the person able to attract Erica was not his real person but one who pretended to be . It is also interesting that does not use the name Erica , but uses the expression "her daughter" thus creating a separation from her and hiding a contempt for that situation. Moreover in the Italian version is not present the word "discussion" because the narrator uses the word "conversation" three times. So, one element of conversation is discussion: sharing opinions on subjects of thought That Are During the conversation . In polite society changes the subject before discussion Becomes disputes.		
Possible conclusion:
This time English language uses longer sentences ( "Erica was having with Chris " ) , just to point out and to focus attention on this aspect of the conversation. Indeed Changez conveys his sense of exclusion and  his removal from Erica .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"There was something undeniably retro about the flags and uniforms, about generals addressing camera in war rooms and newspaper headlines featuring such words as duty and honor. I had always thought of America as a nation that looked forward; for the first time I was struck by its determination to look back."	"C'era qualcosa di innegabilmente rétro in tutte quelle bandiere e quelle uniformi, nei generali che si rivolgevano alle telecamere in gabinetti di guerra e nei titoli di giornale che contenevano parole di dovere e onore. Avevo sempre pensato agli Stati Uniti come a una nazione che guardava avanti; per la prima volta fui colpito dalla sua determinazione a guardare indietro."	Differences between the quotations affect syntax, as one can notice considering their length. Moreover there are many dissimilarities as for lexical choices and shades of meaning.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation provides an example of people’s stereotypes towards different cultures, with reference to American patriotism as a reaction to a moment of difficulty.		
Analysis:
The original version taken from the novel better highlights Changez’s impressions about the World Trade Center bombing’s consequences recalling the typical American patriotism to mask troubles. Under the power of headlines, words like duty and honor and the inclination to look forward actually hides America’s weakness after an attack that brought it to her knees.  		
Possible conclusion:
English language better reflects American ideals as the mother tongue of the USA. Italian words’ seem inconsistent, empty in comparison with sensation evoked by different lexical choices. This lack can’t be attributed to the Italian translator, but rather to an intrinsic matter given by different cultural roots.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I had been telling you of the nostalgia that was becoming so prevalent in my world at the onset of the final winter I would spend in your country.” (p.122)	"Le stavo raccontando della nostalgia che stava travolgendo il mio mondo all'inizio dell'ultimo inverno che avrei trascorso nel vostro paese."	There are two different interlocutors in the versions: indeed in the original one the narrator uses the second singular person while the Italian speaking voice uses the third  singular person (Erica ) .
	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the change Changez suffered in Erica's Stae (America).		
Analysis:
In the English version there is the verb "to become" that describes the life-changing of Changez , from which we can link his name (  Changez- to change) . Indeed, the change is typical of his journey from one culture to another . The feeling of nostalgia is a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.		
Possible conclusion:
In the English version transpires the sense of nostalgia of Changez against his culture  and his life . The same word "to spend" can mean "trascorrere" as in the Italian version or pass that reveals the discontent to spend a winter yet in a state where you do not recognize , in which it is uncomfortable .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"Reluctantly, the first allowed himself to be led away. "Fucking Arab", he said" 	"Riluttante, il primo si lasciò condurre via. "Arabo del cazzo" disse."	In the Italian version the word is translated as reluctant adverb .	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the American's prejudices towards Pakistan after the World Trade Centre bombing.		
Analysis:
The word "reluctantly" recalls the title of the book and as you can see from the quote does not refer to Changez or Pakistan but it is associated to an American person. Indeed, he insults Changez for no apparent reason but only for his appearance. 		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation reflects on the real meaning of the title . Indeed, the narrator uses the typical words used to describe the Pakistanis to describe the behavior of the US . The fundamentalism is usually associated with the economy of the Underwood Samson . Instead reluctant is a typically American attitude towards Pakistan .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"You're preoccupied. Something's eating you. If I had to guess, I'd say it's your Pakistani side. You're worried about what's going on in the world" "No,no", I said, shaking my head to dismiss any possibility that my loyalties could be so divided." (pag 125-126)	"..Sei turbato. C'è qualcosa che ti logora. Se dovessi indovinare, direi che è il tuo lato pakistano. Sei preoccupato di quello che sta succedendo nel mondo"  "No, no -dissi, scuotendo la testa per dissipare ogni dubbio sul fatto che le mie lealtà potessero essere così  scisse."	In Italian, this time the words " logora " and "turba" make a better idea of Changez's scission  . In addition, a different expression is used to explain this disturbance " Something's eating you" and " C'è qualcosa che ti logora". The narrators use different verb tenses: in the English version there is the present continuous , in the Italian translation this is the present simple .	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the figure of Changez . In particular he takes awareness of his inner division . Although he has tried  to integrate into a culture far from his he could not break away from the culture of Pakistan and for this reason he is separated.		
Analysis:
The English expression "something 's eating you" makes the situation progressive in the present . Moreover the English narrator uses the metaphor of eating to describe the wear of Changez . In addition, in  the Italian version there is the expression "c'è qualcosa" that makes the expression general , as if you do not know the exact reason for the attrition. In the  English version the phrase is rather short and incisive.		
Possible conclusion:
Although he has tried in any way to integrate into a culture far from his, he could not break away from the culture of Pakistan.		

CHAPTER 9
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"There are adjustments one must make if one comes here from America; a different way of observing is required"	"Arrivando qui dagli Stati Uniti bisogna adattarsi;  è necessario un diverso modo di osservare."	The two quotations are very different. In particular, the English language is nominal as you can see from the word " adjustments " that is translated into "adattarsi", a verb .
	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation also reflects the change in the point of view of Changez once returned to his family.		
Analysis:
The hypothetical phrase of the English version, in the Italian translation is translated as a gerund " Arrivando ", thus reducing the length of the phrase. In this case , indeed , the English quotation is longer, this why it explains in a better way the concept of adaptation which in Italian version remains general . Indeed English language is immediately raises the subject at the beginning of the sentence without making a turn of phrase , typical of Italian language.		
Possible conclusion:
Changez returned to his family becomes aware of this change because he sees things from another point of view . This is the reason why he draws this conclusion (the quotation ) . Indeed coming from the United States people must watch Pakistan from another point of view , not having lived in an advanced country people are unable to perceive poverty all the way.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"But I worried. I felt powerless; I was angry at our weakness, at our vulnerability to intimidation of this sort from our - admittedly much larger - neighbour to the east. Yes, we had nuclear weapons, and yes, our soldiers would not back down, but we were being threatened nonetheless, and there was nothing I could do about it but lie in my bed, unable to sleep. Indeed, I would soon be gone, leaving my family and my home behind, and this made me a kind of coward in my own eyes, a traitor." 	"Io però ero preoccupato. Mi sentivo impotente; ero arrabbiato per la nostra debolezza, per la nostra vulnerabilità alle intimidazioni da parte del nostro – molto più grosso, devo ammetterlo-vicino orientale. Sì, avevamo le armi nucleari, e sì, i nostri soldati non si sarebbero lasciati cogliere alla sprovvista, ma eravamo comunque minacciati, e non c'era niente che io potessi fare tranne starmene a letto senza riuscire a chiudere occhio. Inoltre presto me ne sarei andato, lasciandomi alle spalle casa e famiglia, e ai miei occhi ciò faceva di me un codardo, un traditore."	In this quotation the English language reveals its nominal style. In the original version it is also more evident attachment to his homeland through the personal pronouns .
	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the attachment that Changez suffered to his homeland. So it focuses attention also on the inability to adapt to a culture that does not feel his because he can't break away from his own.		
Analysis:
The nominal style of English language is demonstrate particularly in two cases: " admittedly " / " I have to admit " and "unable " / " unable " . There is a change in the translation of the phrase "our soldiers would not back down". Indeed in the English version it highlights the firmness and determination of the soldiers. In addition in the original version there is more emphasis in the use of possessive pronouns "our" and "my" which show that attachment to his homeland and his family and home.		
Possible conclusion:
This quotation reveals the awareness of Changez 's attachment to his homeland. Indeed, he considers himself a coward according to the values ​​of Pakistani culture , as if on need of help is unable to help his family .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Look , man, I don’t know what’s up with the beard, but I don’t think it’s making you Mr. Popular around here”	"Senti, ragazzo, - disse,- non so cosa ti è preso con quella barba, ma qui dentro non ti rende molto popolare"	The English version reveals more about the importance of appearance through the verb "look" at the beginning of the sentence . As for the style , instead , the Italian translation is more informal because there is the expression  " Listen, boy " 	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation reflects on the importance of people’s appearance, in particular in this case on the importance of the beard  . Indeed, despite he is an hard worker the appearance creates prejudices, typical of American behaviour.		
Analysis:
In the English versions the style is more formal, typical of a dialogue work . Instead in the Italian translation the style is informal almost trying to explain the problem outside of work task. At the same time however, the used of the connotation "boy" lowers his social level almost highlighting his naivety to not perceive this problem. In both versions, the narrator reveals a kind of criticism in the words , so also the Underwood Samson has a prejudicial behaviour against Changez . Indeed, even the phrase " Mr. Popular", which in Italian is not translated, criticizes the will of Changez to become different people. Finally, the English narrator also uses the verb "think " ironically, because it actually reveals the awareness that this can not happen if Changez behaves in this way.		
Possible conclusion:
Changez is discriminated for their physical appearance and this is the moment wherein he reveals the prejudices typical of Americans where the people with the beards are terrorists. And here it is also revealed fundamentalism of Underwood Samson that imposes these rules based on the judgment of the people .		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"But as I reacclimatized and my surroundings once again became familiar, it occurred to me that the house had not changed in my absence. I had changed; I was looking about me with the eyes of a foreigner, and not just any foreigner, but that particular type of entitled and unsympathetic American who so annoyed me when I encountered him in the classrooms and workplaces of your country's elite. This realization angered me; staring at my reflection in the speckled glass of my bathroom mirror I resolved to exorcize the unwelcome sensibility by which I had become possessed"	"Ma mentre mi riacclimatavo e l'ambiente circostante tornava ad essermi familiare, mi resi conto che non  era la casa ad essere cambiata durante la mia assenza; ero io che mi guardavo attorno con gli occhi di uno straniero, e non di uno straniero qualunque, ma di quel particolare tipo di americano arrogante e indisponente che mi dava tanto fastidio quando lo incontravo nelle aule universitarie e nei luoghi di lavoro delle élite del vostro paese. Quando me ne resi conto mi arrabbiai; fissando il mio riflesso nel vetro macchiettato dello specchio del bagno mi ripromisi di esorcizzare la sgradita sensibilità da cui ero posseduto."	In the Italian version is omitted the most important sentence of the original version : " I had changed " . Indeed, this expression represents the time when Changez becomes aware of his change.
	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation focuses the reader's attention on the theme of the differences between cultures. Moreover it analyses the change of Changez's point of view and the incommunicability between American and Pakistan culture.		
Analysis:
Changez was aware that he looks at things through a different perspective , especially through the eyes of the typical American that he couldn't stand . Although Changez assumes the typical American attitudes in the original version there are possessive pronouns that show his attachment to his country and his family ( "my surroudings "). So in the shape of Changez two shares antithetical  coexists but they can't live together because they are part of two different cultures . The words that describe the moment of his consciousness reveals the nominal style of English "this realization angered me." Indeed, in the Italian version this expression is translated as " me ne resi conto ." It is also interesting how Changez feels this change an excorcism that it's deliverance from the devil or evil forces of those who are possessed by them .		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation reveals the perspective of Changez about the American culture. He doesn't stand their behavior and doesn't want to accept the fact that he had assume some their attitudes . This inner conflict is highlighted in the quotation through the antithetical use of possessive pronouns.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
"Some people around here think you're looking kind of shabby. The beard and all. Quite frankly, I don't give a shit. Your performance is what counts, as far as I'm concerned, and you're the best analyst in your class by a long away. Besides, I know it must be tough for you with what's going on in Pakistan" 	"Qui c'è qualcuno che pensa che ti stai lasciando andare un po' troppo. Con quella barba e tutto. Francamente, a me non me ne frega niente. Quel che conta sono i risultati, e per quanto mi concerne sei di gran lunga il miglior analista del tuo corso. Inoltre capisco che per te dev'essere dura con quello che sta succedendo in Pakistan"	In the English version the style is much more informal , especially for the use of the terms as " shabby " and " shit" .	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation focuses reader's attention on the differences between American and Pakistan culture and on the prejudicial behaviour typical of American people.		
Analysis:
In the description of the physical appearance of Changez is unveiled a contempt of that aspect that all Americans , even unconsciously , criticize . The expression "the beard and all" is particularly significant: the beard is the distinguishing feature of Pakistanis  and it is also the most important features that characterize Pakistan's terrorist. 		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation reveals the importance of the judgment of the people at work. Indeed, for the Underwood Samson is not important the look but how you work. But the opinion of the people is fundamental and for this reason the physical appearance of Changez is important, because the critcriticism about appearance can become a criticism about work.		

CHAPTER 10
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I never came to know why Juan Bautista singled me out. Perhaps he was gifted with remarkable powers of empathy and had observed in me a dilemma that out of compassion he thought he could help me resolve; perhaps he saw among his enemies one who was weak and could easily be brought down”	“Non riuscii mai a capire perché Juan-Bautista mi avesse messo gli occhi addosso. Forse era dotato di rari poteri di empatia e aveva colto in me un dilemma che per compassione volle aiutarmi a risolvere; forse aveva individuato tra i suoi nemici l'anello debole  che poteva facilmente essere messo fuori uso”	The main difference between the two quotations affects lexicon. For example the word “gifted”  in the English original version underlines how Juan Bautista’s gift has been assigned since he was born. Moreover, the expression “he thought he could help me” does not create the same effect of the Italian translation “volle aiutarmi a risolvere”, which takes for granted a satisfactory solution of Changez’s problem. 	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation provides a reflection on the theme of cultural meeting, especially under the profile of efficiency at work		
Analysis:
Since from the first lines the reader notices how the quotation coincides with the narrator’s mental impressions about a new character who singled out him. Here Changez’s state of mind comes to surface as he is facing many problems as he came across the second novel’s turning point, which made him reflect and re-earn his lost cultural identity; indeed he is aware of being weak and inefficient at that moment, when he was facing a “dilemma”.		
Possible conclusion:
Here Juan Bautista plays the role of  a life mentor: he awakens Changez about his first sight impressions, helping him recovering his cultural identity without being a standard efficient machine at people’s  service. 		
 
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Probably this was why I had been willing to try to take on the persona of Chris, because my own identify was so fragile”	“Probabilmente per la stessa ragione, perché la mia identità era così fragile, aveva accettato di personificare Chris”	The main difference here mainly affects syntax. While lexicon is quite similar the reader notices how sentences are not in the same position considering the original version.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation is an example of the theme of identity’s loss to satisfy physical desire.		
Analysis:
Changez’s awareness of his condition makes him draw conjectures about his willingness to sacrifice his identity to satisfy hedonistically physical desire in front of Erica. Although the English version seems to underline the continuity of the process of personification (I had been willing), while the Italian translation gives it for completed after Erica’s passing (aveva accettato). Nevertheless the idea of conclusion of the process is given thank to the final postponing of the sentence which underlines the taking of the persona of Chris.		
Possible conclusion:
While the English quotation expresses the concept of the process of personification thank to polished lexical choices, the Italian translation needs an elaborated syntax to convey the same effect, witnessing his Latin root.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“It was such in a frame of mind that I arrived in Santiago”	“Fu in un tale stato mentale che arrivai a Santiago”	The main difference here is under the profile of interpretation. We can’t find here substantial lexical or syntactical dissimilarities.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotations convey two different effects and may be interpreted in different ways as for Changez’ mental state.		
Analysis:
The quotation’s conciseness best expresses the idea of time passing while someone is lost in thoughts. But while the Italian translation seems to underline only the state of mind of the character, the English original version offers also a gap of time given by the polysemous word “frame”, which, as for idiomatic expressions underlines the mental condition, but on the other hand it assumes a temporal connotation which highlights how Changez did not feel the time passing as he was trapped in his inner world.		
Possible conclusion:
The analysis brings to surface how English language is full of specific words which might be interpreted differently as they own many shades of meaning Italian language doesn’t have.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I lacked a stable core”	“Mi mancava un nucleo stabile”	Differences hereare given by different interpretations of lexical choices. Considering the quotation shortness we won’t focus on syntax, but we will concentrate of the words’ shades of meaning .	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation is a deep statement of Changez’s mental state as he needed a benchmark.		
Analysis:
Both quotations provide to create a sense of lack inside Changez, but while the English quotation underlines a deeper sense of shortage (penuria), the Italian one highlights an aspect of scarcity (assenza) of a stable figurative benchmark. Moreover the word “nucleo” recalls a physical reference, while the corresponding “core” might be interpreted, under an abstract level, as a lack of essence. 		
Possible conclusion:
The reflection of lexicon here is none other than a confirm of English language communicative potential, which has at its disposal an innumerable quantity of specific words which might be differently interpreted according to the context.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Juan-Bautista’s words plunged me into a deep bout of introspection”	“Comunque, le parole di Juan-Bautista mi precipitarono in una profonda crisi introspettiva”	Differences here affect lexicon, because syntax is quite similar. I So it’s interesting to draw conclusions on different interpretations given to words.	
Reason for choice: 
Grammatical reflection on stylistic choices under the theme of introspection, identity loss and state of mind.		
Analysis:
Both quotations convey here a similar effect, but by means of different stylistic choices. While the novelist in the original version preferred a typical nominal style, the Italian translator often converts nouns into adjectives used as a noun. 		
Possible conclusion:
This considerations witnesses the different languages’ root, which allow to convey the same effect adopting different rhetorical choices. Indeed while the English version is full of short powerful words (“plunged, deep, bout”), the Italian one needs of longer expressions (“precipitarono, profonda, introspettiva”)		

CHAPTER 11
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“The guards did not leave me until I was outside the buildings and it was only then that I allowed myself to rub my eyes with the back of my hand, for they had been slightly.”	“I vigilantes non mi lasciarono fino a che non fui fuori dall’edificio, e solo in quel momento mi concessi di strofinarmi gli occhi col dorso della mano, perché avevano cominciato a lacrimare.”	Differences here mainly affect lexicon and so different interpretations given to words.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation allows to reflect on the economical power of a private company like Underwood Samson, also touching the theme of work and efficiency in the American context.		
Analysis:
The quotation provides an example of how America’s job works. Changez was well seen by everyone for his efficiency until he got fired: after that employees consider him a stranger, to such an extent the guards accompanied him up to the exit. 
The word “vigilantes” in the Italian version underlines the power of US, indeed it refers to people who works for a private company; furthermore the plural form of “buildings”, translated in Italian as a singular, gives the idea of a complex of skyscrapers typical of an economical pole.		
Possible conclusion:
The quotation is a typical proof of American economical system’s power. The world of work may cause emotive costs, as Changez highlights his tears, however he does not want his colleagues to see him cry, for a question of appearance. Both quotations convey the sense of power in America, thank to careful stylistic choices. 		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Sometimes I would find myself walking the streets, flaunting my beard as a provocation, craving conflicts with anyone foolhardy enough to antagonize me.”	“A volte mi ritrovavo a camminare per le strade esibendo la mia barba come provocazione, pronto ad attaccare briga con chiunque fosse stato abbastanza sconsiderato da mettermisi contro.”	The main difference here affects syntax: English version conveys the tension caused by racial discrimination and prejudice thank to a climax created by three –ing form verbs, while the Italian structure is more independent.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotations provides an example for reflecting on the theme of cultural meeting and discrimination.		
Analysis:
The conciseness of the English version is clear watching at the two quotation’s length: the rhetoric choice of a climax better highlights the sense of inner anger towards Western people for all events occurred during his American dream. Changez’s impressions are conveyed by strong words like “flaunting, provocation, craving, conflicts, foolhardy, antagonize” weakened in the Italian translation or hidden under general expressions.		
Possible conclusion:
The novelist’s choices in the original version, especially the use of figures of speech like climax, alliteration and parallelism, are not reported in the Italian translation. In conclusion it’s clear how original language is fuller of meaning in comparison with translated versions.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Only Wainwright came over to shake my hand and say farewell”	“Solo WainWright venne a stringermi la mano e dirmi addio”	Considering the quotations’ shortness  the main difference we can focus on are those who affect lexicon and consequent different meanings.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation is a clear example of discrimination and the binding agent between those who differ from ordinary people in a specific cultural context.		
Analysis:
Let’s consider the verb “came over” and its correspondent “venne”. The English version seems to highlight the relationship between the two characters, implying Wainwright came not only to say farewell; on the other hand the Italian translation appears to underline Wainwright had one only purpose. 		
Possible conclusion:
In conclusion we can notice how the Italian translation emphasizes that only one person between all the colleagues said farewell, while the original version seems to underline that Wainwright was the only, unique who paid Changez a last visit.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“The shutters are coming down, and some unsavory characters are lurking about […] Lahore is, as I have said before, quite safe from the standpoint of petty crime – and besides we are both fortunately possessed of those aspects of stature and appearance that tend to give ruffians pose.”	“Stanno abbassando le saracinesche, e qui cominciano ad aggirarsi persone poco raccomandabili […]  Come le ho detto, Lahore è piuttosto sicura dal punto di vista della piccola criminalità, inoltre per fortuna possediamo entrambi quelle caratteristiche di stazza e parvenza che tendono a tenere a distanza malintenzionati”	Differences here mainly affect syntax: there are many inversions subject-object and idiomatic expressions (especially in the Italian version) to convey the same effect English words have.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation provides an example of typical prejudice according to one’s appearance.		
Analysis:
The quotation coincides with Changez’s proposal to reach an hotel at night, instead of staying exposed around his city. From his words one understands his awareness and knowing of what living in Lahore means. In the original version the sensation is that Changez is informing his interlocutor not to frighten, but to reassure him: as he began speaking the impression is that he only wants to justify his proposal. On the other hand the Italian translation, whose register is more formal, highlights a way of addressing with a bit of malice which, in a way or another, might have created more and more tension.		
Possible conclusion:
The overall effect is that the English version coincides with a way of justifying Changez’s proposal, while the Italian one, also thank to a more formal register, creates further tension between them, even if it ends with a comforting reassurance.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Later, through the windows of the terminal, I saw that I had caused a security alert, and I shook my head in exasperation.”	“Più tardi, dalle vetrate del terminal, vidi che avevano allertato il servizio di sicurezza, e scossi la testa esasperato.”	The main difference here is the anaphoric repetition of first person pronouns in the original version, not present in the Italian translation.	
Reason for choice: 
Again the quotation expresses the concept of prejudice given by physical appearance, an aspect no one can hide.		
Analysis:
As we previously said the substantial difference consists of the use of pronouns: while in the Italian quotation is not clear why the speaking voice is exasperated by the event, the original version, thank to the insistence of “I”, highlights right from the start the reader understands the cause of the alert is Changez himself, justifying his reaction of irritation.		
Possible conclusion:
In conclusion, while the English version upholds who is the cause of the situation, the Italian one, omitting the pronouns, gives it for proved, leaving an air of ambiguity and mystery anyway linked with the main character.		

CHAPTER 12
Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“I had returned to Pakistan, but my inhabitation of your country had not entirely ceased. I remained emotionally entwined with Erica, and I brought something of her with me in Lahore - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I lost something of myself to her that was unable to relocate in the city of my birth”	“Ero tornato in Pakistan, ma non avevo del tutto cessato di abitare il vostro paese. Restavo emotivamente legato a Erica e avevo portato qualcosa di lei con me a Lahore, o forse sarebbe più esatto dire che avevo lasciato con lei qualcosa di me che non riuscivo a ritrovare nella mia città natale.”	The main differences here mainly affect syntax: English language prefers as usual nominal style, while Italian language, despite of a typical more complex syntax, owns both a fluent and heavy way of expressing the concept.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation allows to reflect on the theme of cultural meeting.		
Analysis:
The quotation provides an example of how experiences might occupy a little piece of mind even after they are gone. Changez highlights how his emotional bond with Erica made them steal a little piece of each other to bring with themselves after their relationship’s end. So the speaking voice becomes aware of the things he now misses after returning to Pakistan.		
Possible conclusion:
While the original version’s lexicon underlines the aspect of losing something of our own identity after a turning point of life, the Italian one although emphasizes the process of leaving it in a determined place or person. Now the situation seems to turn upside down: while the English version often highlighted Changez’s feelings, especially his love towards Erica-America, here the Italian translation conveys the sense of closeness to people peculiar of Changez’s nature.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Such journeys have convinced me that it is not always possible to restore one’s boundaries after they have been blurred and made permeable by a relationship: try as we might, we cannot reconstitute ourselves as the autonomous beings we previously imagined ourselves to be. Something of us is outside, and something of the outside is now within us. Perhaps you have had no comparable experience, for you are gazing at me as though at a raving madman. I do not mean to say we are all one, and indeed – as will soon become evident to you – I am not opposed to the building of walls to shield oneself from harm; I merely wished to explain certain aspects of my behavior upon my return.”	“Tali esperienze mi hanno convinto che non è sempre possibile restaurare i propri confini dopo che sono stati turbati e resi permeabili da una relazione: per quanto ci proviamo, non possiamo ricostruirci nella forma autonoma che in precedenza immaginavamo di avere. Qualcosa di noi si trova adesso all'esterno, è qualcosa di esterno e adesso dentro di noi. Forse lei non ha mai avuto esperienze del genere, perché mi guarda come se delirassi. Non intendo dire che siamo tutti un unico, anzi, come presto le sarà chiaro, non sono contrario all'idea ricostruirsi intorno dei muri per proteggersi dal dolore. Volevo solo illustrare alcuni aspetti del mio comportamento quando sono tornato qui”	Differences are quite interesting under the profile of syntax and lexicon too. The quotation is long enough reflect on themes of cultural meeting. 	
Reason for choice: 
On an anthropological level the quotation proves fertile for reflection on whatever meeting the Other generally implies in the human being		
Analysis:
The quotation sounds particularly interesting for different orders of reason: it refers to the protagonist’s relationship with Erica and its consequences on his mood and feelings, but it’s of course to be extended to the relationship one may have with a person of a different  gender or different culture. 		
Possible conclusion:
The use of a more informal style in the English quotation puts the protagonist in a closer relationship with his interlocutor, allowing him to express his feelings in a more independent way. Besides the Italian version gives the idea of a teaching intent, given to the formal style adopted by the translator.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“Not, of course, that I actually believe I am having a relationship with Erica”	“Non che in quel momento credessi davvero di avere una relazione con Erica”
	The main difference affects verb tenses, while the other parts of speech are unvaried, except for the “of course”.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation provides an example for reflecting on the meeting between genders and how they engage with each other.		
Analysis:
The present continuous form in the English language, the adverb “actually” and the expression “of course” contextualize, in a way or another, the hidden continuity of Changez and Erica’s relationship. On the other hand verb tenses in the Italian translation, also thank to the strong negation, doesn’t leave any air of ambiguity, rather highlighting the clear end of their emotional bond. 		
Possible conclusion:
The mixture of expressions in the original version highlight the main character’s unwillingness to accept his condition; indeed one can infer how rhetoric choices connote Changez’s ailment to go straight to the point.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“America felt justified in bringing so many death of Afghanistan and Iraq, and why America felt justified in risking so many more deaths by tacitly using India to pressure Pakistan.”	“Gli Stati Uniti si sentivano giustificati a causare così tante morti in Afghanistan e in Iraq, e a rischiare molte più vittime utilizzando di soppiatto l’India per fare pressioni sul Pakistan.”	The English quotation, under a lexical level, insists on America’s cruelty since a political and cultural point of view thank to the double repetition of “America felt justified”. 	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation is an example of cultural influence in giving opinions and, more generally, in the vision of the world.		
Analysis:
The quotation brings to surface the protagonist’s point of view about the political context of the conflict East-West. Undoubtedly he sides with his native place, highlighting the inconsistency of America’s political plan, whose interest was to justify a war of economic purpose under an ethical point of view.		
Possible conclusion:
Changez’s anger better comes to surface in the original version, as he gives voice to some deep considerations about the world’s economical situation.		

Quotations
Original version	Quotations
Italian translation	Comparative analysis	
“But why are you reaching into your jacket, sir? I detect a glint of metal”	“Ma perché si fruga nella giacca, signore? Ho visto balenare un riflesso metallico”	Differences here mainly affect lexicon and especially the register used to adress the American.	
Reason for choice: 
The quotation brings to surface sensations evoked inside Changez as his unreliable interlocutor is reaching suspiciously something in his pocket. 		
Analysis:
While the Italian translation underlines Changez’s doubts about the American’s acting, the original version, thank to a colloquial style and a polite way of addressing, highlights how the speaking voice notices the distrustful gesture and tries to warn the interlocutor not to act in a thoughtless way. 		
Possible conclusion:
In other words Changez wants to let the American know he is detecting his actions since they met, inviting him not to create further tension and also to self-convince nothing dangerous will happen.