Quotation

Original version

Quotation

Italian translation

Comparative Analysis

Excuse me, sir, but may I be of assistance? Ah, I see I have alarmed you. Do not be frightened by my beard: I am a lover of America. I noticed that you were looking for something; more than looking, in factyou seemed to be on a mission, and since I am both a native of this city and a speaker of your language, I thought I might offer you my services.

Chiedo scusa, signore, posso esserle d'aiuto? Ah, vedo che l'ho allarmata. Non si faccia spaventare dalla mia barba: io amo l'America. Mi sembrava che lei stesse cercando qualcosa; anzi, più che cercando, lei pareva in missione, e dato che io sono nativo di questa città e parlo la sua lingua, ho pensato di offrirle i miei servigi.

The Italian version is more formal than American English one; in fact, in the first line, the translator uses the words “Chiedo scusa” instead “Excuse me” and create a clime of alienation.

The word “but” is omitted in the Italian version for grammatical reason.

The sentence “Do not be frightened by my beard” present an active form contrary to the Italian sentence, in which is used a passive form.

The sentence “I am a lover of America” reminds to a formal way of communication a difference of the Italian version “io amo l'America”.

The word “anzi” in the Italian version reminds to a adversative form while in the American English version underline that the American seems to be on a mission.

In the American English version the sentence “I might offer” reminds to a conditional situation while the Italian version presents a decision to offer the services to anyone.

Reason for choice:

The tone suggests that the American first reaction is the freight of “the other”. This expression shows the use of stereotypes and also the contrast between two cultures, the American and the Pakistani one.

Analysis:

The narrator underlines that the American is afraid of the other because is influenced by the stereotypes. An Islamic with a long beard is like a terrorist; in fact the Pakistani denies this prejudice saying:“I am a lover of America”. Also the Pakistani is pervaded by the stereotype (in fact he thinks that the American is in a mission, and not a simple tourist) but he exceed and offers his service to the American.

Possible conclusion:

The sentence develops the image of the stereotype of an Islamic fundamentalism, but the narrator denies this prejudice.

Quotation

Original version

Quotation

Italian translation

Comparative Analysis

You prefer that seat, with your back so close to the wall? Very well, although you will benefit less from the intermittent breeze, which, when it does blow, makes these warm afternoons more pleasant. And will you not remove your jacket? So formal! Now that is not typical of Americans, at least not in my experience.

Preferisce sedersi qui, con le spalle rivolte al muro? Benissimo, anche se così trarrà meno beneficio dalla brezza intermittente che, quando soffia, rende più gradevoli questi pomeriggi caldi. Non si toglie la giacca? Così formale? Be', questo non è tipico degli americani, almeno non nella mia esperienza.

The punctuation in the Italian version and in the American English one is different (e.g. the comma in the 5^th line or the exclamation in the 9^th line).

The word “which” is translated in the Italian version with the word “che”.

The word “now” is translated in the Italian version with the word “be'”.

Reason for choice:

The American is afraid by the Pakistani.

Analysis:

The sentence “And will you not remove your jacket? So formal!” can reminds to a attitude of protect oneself or of hide something under the jacket.

Possible conclusion:

The American is influenced by the stereotypes but not only he; in fact also the Pakistani is pervaded by them. He underlines the stereotype with the sentence “ Now that is not typical of Americans, at least not in my experience”.

Quotation

Original version

Quotation

Italian translation

Comparative Analysis

“His eyes were cold, a pale blue, and judgmental, not in the way that word is normally used, but in the sense of being professionally appraising, like a jeweler’s when he inspects out of curiosity a diamond he intends neither to buy or not to sell.”

“I suoi occhi erano freddi, azzurri e sentenziosi, non nel senso in cui è solitamente usata la parola, ma nel senso di qualcuno abituato per mestiere a giudicare, come un gioielliere quando esamina per curiosità un diamante che non intende ne comprare ne vendere.”

The punctuation in the Italian version and in the American English one is different (e.g. the comma in the 2^nd line).

The word “judgmental” seems stronger than the Italian translation “sentenziosi”.

Reason for choice:

Changez is a empathy person.

Analysis:

The quotation underlines the fact that Changez can notice the attribute of American thanks of his eyes.

Possible conclusion:

Thanks of the empathy of Changez the reader can understand that the American is a heartless person.

Quotation

Original version

Quotation

Italian translation

Comparative Analysis

“I knew there were subjects interviewers were not permitted to broach -religion, for example, and sexual orientation- and I suspected financial aid was one of these.”

“Sapevo che c’erano argomenti che nei colloqui non era lecito affrontare, la religione, ad esempio, o l’orientamento sessuale, e sospettavo che il sostegno finanziario fosse uno di quelli.”

The word “interviewers” is translated in the Italian version with the word “colloqui”.

The punctuation in the Italian version and in the American English one is different (e.g. the hyphen in the 3^rd and in the 5^th line)

Reason for choice:

The narrator introduces the theme of discrimination.

Analysis:

He focuses the reader attention on the attitude to hide your real person for being hired.

Possible conclusion:

In the modern society we must always lie.

Quotation

Original version

Quotation

Italian translation

Comparative Analysis

Ah, our tea has arrived! Do not look so suspicious. I assure you, sir, nothing untoward will happen to you, not even a runny stomach. 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. How much sugar would you like? None? Very unusual, but I will not insist.

Ah, è arrivato il nostro te! Non abbia quell’aria diffidente. Le assicuro, signore, che non corre alcun rischio, neanche quello di uno stomaco in subbuglio. Dopotutto non è mica avvelenato. Andiamo, se la fa sentire meglio posso scambiare la mia tazza con la sua. Ecco. Quanto zucchero? Niente? Molto insolito, ma non insisto.

The sentence “nothing untoward will happen to you” present an passive form contrary to the Italian sentence, in which is used a active form (che non corre alcun rischio ).

The word “runny” is a metaphoric word to indicate the Italian word “subbuglio”.

Reason for choice:

The American's diffidence.

Analysis:

The American is suspected by the Pakistani and thinks that his tea is poisoned. Changez for make American more comfortable switch his cup for the American's one.

Possible conclusion:

Changez exceed by the stereotypes and switch the cup of tea.