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.”

“Chiedo scusa, signore, posso essere d'aiuto? Ah, vedo che l'ho allarmata. Non si faccia spaventare dalla mia barba: io amo l'America.”

The general meaning of the two quotations is similar but there are some syntactical and grammatical differences.

The original version uses a more formal register conveyed by “assistance” used instead of “help”. On the other side the Italian translation uses a more direct register. The use of the adjective “lover” instead of the verb “io amo” conveys a deeper relationship between the narrator and the USA. “Lover” suggests a physically-based relationship: a lover is someone who makes love with someone else and so the narrator seems to be in touch with America. On the other hand the Italian translation “io amo” suggest a relationship based on mere feelings and not on physical contact.

The English version does not use the contract form of the auxiliary “do not” in order to convey politeness and respect. The Italian version uses the third person verb of the present conjunctive “non si faccia”.

Reason for choice

The quotation introduces the narrator and the American providing the very first expression of the topic of two different cultures meeting. Moreover it specifies the narrative technique, the dramatic monologue.

Analysis

The narrator uses a formal register conveying his politeness and respectfulness. The reader can understand he is not an American considering his “beard” and his peculiarity to “frighten” American people. The repetition of the personal pronoun “I” highlights the central role of the narrator: the speech is entirely reported by the narrator and it is written in the first person. The reader knows nothing about the two characters or about the relation between them. There is no clue about the reason of the narrator purpose of assistance.

Possible conclusion

The narrator introduces himself as a kind and sympathetic person who has the ability to help people. He is a great observer and he is able to keep his interlocutor calm.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Now that is not typical of Americans, at least not in my experience. And my experience is substantial: I spent four and a half years in your country.”

“Beh, questo non è tipico degli americani, almeno non nella mia esperienza. E la mia esperienza è notevole: ho trascorso quattro anni e mezzo nel vostro paese.”

The meaning of the two quotations is the same. Nevertheless the antithesis between “that” and “questo” leads the reader to a reflection. The original version seems to put some distance between the narrator and the interlocutor. The pronoun “that” negatively denotes the interlocutor as distant. On the contrary the Italian translation “questo” keeps the interlocutor closer to the narrator. The use of the italic font-type in the original version underlines such distance.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the narrator's stereotypes of American people. Moreover it introduces the report of his American “experience”. The quotation expounds the topic of two different cultures meeting and the topic of travel.

Analysis

The narrator seems to be aware of the subjectivity of his statement. Anyway he appears to be quite certain of the validity of such statement as he connotes his experience as “substantial”. The narrator arguments his opinion explicating the nature of his experience: he “spent four years and a half” in America. Once more the narrator turns out to be a good observer. He selects and distinguishes the peculiar characteristics of every person and culture, making comparisons and personal analysis.

Possible conclusion

The narrator is going to report his American experience, provably with a stereotypical point of view based on his experience.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Looking back now, I see the power of that system, pragmatic and effective like so much else in America.”

“Col senno di poi capisco bene la potenza di quel sistema, pragmatico ed efficace come molte altre cose negli Stati Uniti.”

The original version uses “Looking back now” while the translator chooses an Italian way of speech “Col senno di poi”. The use of the word “senno” instead of “Looking” conveys a deeper comprehension of the American society by Changez. The choice of “capisco bene” instead of “I see” arguments this thesis. As a consequence Changez's awareness of “the power of that system” is bigger in the Italian version.

The Italian translation uses “Stati Uniti” which is more specific thatn “America” and conveys a deeper level of knowledge as well.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting: the Pakistani Changez looks at the power of America. Moreover it expresses the topic of two different social classes meeting: the quotation is related to American finance and Changez comes from a middle class family.

Analysis

The use of the adjective “that” conveys the distance that Changez puts between himself and America. America is a distant culture which has now no bound left with Changez. The presence of the adverb “now” denotes Changez progressive growth of acknowledgment of the power of the American system.

Possible conclusion

Changez's awareness of the power of the American system and of the “so much else” comes too late. At the time he was blinded by his beliefs in economic fundamentals.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“His name was Jim, he told me, and I had precisely fifty minutes to convince him to offer me a job. “Sell yourself”, he said.”

“Lui si chiamava Jim, mi disse, e io avevo a disposizione esattamente 50 minuti per convincerlo a offrire a me il lavoro. “Si venda.”

The Italian version seems to be a good translation of the original: Changez's situation looks as precarious as it is in the English version. The choice of “offrire a me” instead of “offririmi” communicates the competitive nature of the interview. Changes needs to obtain his work against other candidates. The English version is more ambiguous because it refers to “a” job and not to “the” job he is fighting for.

In the Italian translation the verb “Si venda” is put at the end of the clause, being connoted as a conclusive sentence: Changez is now all by himself and needs to show his value. Such tension is connoted by the simple past “said” which closes the sentence in the English version.

Reason for choice

The quotation provides Changez's first contact with the American economic and financial world, expressing the topic of two different social classes meeting. It introduces Jim as well.

Analysis

The quotation deals with Changez's job interview and brings to surface the characteristics of the American system: you need to be able to “sell yourself”. One's value is strictly based on the amount of money and profit he is able to gain. Jim seems to be as pragmatic as the system he is involved into, giving “precisely fifty minutes” to Changez. The adverb “precisely” conveys such pragmatical attitude.

Possible conclusion

The job interview focuses on the ability of the candidate to sell himself. All he needs to do is to prove himself able to gain money and to make the American system work.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“(Jim) So I get where you're coming from, Changez. You're hungry, and that's a good thing in my book.”

"Perciò comprendo la sua situazione, Changez. Lei ha fame, e questo dal mio punto di vista è una buona cosa".

There are some syntactical discrepancies in the two versions:

“Comprendo” / “get” - “comprendo” better connotes Jim as close to Changez, as if he has already lived what he is now living;

“where you're coming from” / “la tua situazione” - the original version focuses more on Changez's origin and life path while the translation deals with his actual situation in America;

“A good thing in my book” / “una buona cosa dal mio punto di vista” - the Italian version looks like a personal opinion while the original one seems to be strictly connected to a series of rules and fundamentals written in Jim's “book”.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of cultural origin and of its importance in the workplace.

Analysis

Once more Jim focuses on Changez's agressivity and ability to defeat his opponents. Jim seems to be a comprehensive person in the way he takes consideration of Change's origins. Changez's “hunger” becomes “anger” and the desire to feed himself becomes a propulsive force which helps him to beat his enemies.

Possible conclusion

It seems like Changez's hunger is the main means which allowed him to reach the Underwood Samson. The connection between such hunger and his cultural origins is deep and characterizes Changez as person in search of a social revenge.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Yes, they are attractive. And how different they look from the women of that family sitting at the table behind ours, in their traditional dress.”

“Sì, sono davvero attraenti. E che aspetto diverso dalle donne della famiglia seduta al tavolo accanto al nostro, nel loro abiti tradizionali.”

The Italian translator adds the adverb “davvero” in order to communicate the English connotation of the verb “are”. Moreover the Italian translation uses a nominal style saying “che aspetto diverso” while the English version uses the verb “look”. The English version focuses the attention on the effect the girls have on the narrator while the translation focuses on the appearance of the girls.

The original version puts the traditionally dressed family “behind” the narrator. This choice connotes such family as traditionally and strictly adherent to the past. The Italian translation does not convey such message. The family is put (“accanto”) on the same level of the narrator.

Reason for choice

The quotation highlights the topic of two different cultures meeting. Furthermore it relates to the topic of two different genders meeting.

Analysis

Changez's interlocutor is staring at a group of female students who are dressed according to the western culture. Such dressing styles is antithetic to the “traditional dress” another woman is wearing. The verb “are” is connoted as relevant by the use of the italic font type. Such relevance seems to contrast with the “traditional dress” which does not attract a man's sight. The attraction towards a female body seems to affect both the narrator and the interlocutor: Changez says “yes” as a response of agreement with the American.

Possible conclusion

Changez provably alludes that a western dressing style makes women more attractive. Attractiveness crosses all cultures and Changez finds the students as attractive as the American does.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“When I first saw Erica, I could not prevent myself from offering to carry her backpack – so stunningly regal was she. Her hair was piled up like a tiara on her head”

“Quando vidi per la prima volta Erica non riuscii a trattenermi e le offrii di portarle lo zaino, era così incredibilmente regale. I suoi capelli erano racconti sulla testa come una tiara.”

The first sentence is organized differently as the Italian syntax does not allow to literally translate the original version. For instance the subordinate clause “from offering to” is translated into a coordinate clause “e le offrii”. The original version better conveys the nature of Changez's offer: he offered to carry her backpack because of her aspect. On the other hand the Italian translation puts the two clauses on the same level: he saw her and offered to carry her backpack.

Reason for choice

The quotation introduces the character Erica and deals with her first meeting with the narrator. The topic of two different cultures and genders meeting is exploited in the quotation.

Analysis

The quotation underlines Changez's politeness. Such politeness could be considered as a characteristic of the eastern cultures. Erica is connoted as “regal”, underlined by the italic font type choice. “Regal” links to the devotion and respectfulness eastern countries had towards its kings and queens. The word “tiara” confirms such respectfulness as the tiara is the Pope's crown.

Possible conclusion

Erica's immediately strikes the narrator's attention and this is a prelude to the relationship it is going to rise between them.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“(Erica) This I'm-from-a-big-family vibe. It's nice. It makes you feel solid.”

“Hai quest'aria io-vengo-da-una-grande-famiglia. È carino. Ti fa sembrare così solido.”

The original version uses a nominal style. The first sentence has no verb while the Italian translation uses the verb “Hai”.

The translation uses “sembrare” instead of “feel”. The original version suggests more certainty of Changez's solidity. “Sembrare”, on the contrary, makes Erica's observation look like a mere opinion and conjecture. “Sembrare” is related to visual appearance while “feel” stands on a deeper level of emotions and sensations.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with Changez's origins. It explains how important the family is for eastern cultures.

Analysis

It is Erica speaking and analyzing Changez's “vibe”. Erica notices how much his family is important for him. Changez's strength and solidity seems to come directly from his “big-family”. He shows off his origins because his family is a firm point for him and it gives him confidence. Erica finds such vibe to be “nice”, as if she rarely felt it.

Possible conclusion

Reading between the lines it seems that Erica does not find strength and confidence from her family. Erica seems to lack solidity.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (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, a dire il vero, come il fatto di essere in Pakistan acuisca la sensibilità alla vista di un corpo femminile.”

The meaning of the two quotations is quite the same. A noticeable difference occurs in the use of “a dire il vero” instead of “I must say”. The original version suggests that Changez is going to admit something he is forced to say, something that must not be left aside. On the contrary the Italian translation connotes his statement as true (“a dire il vero”).

Reason for choice

The quotations deepens the topic of two different genders and cultures meeting.

Analysis

The narrator is enlightening how much more sensitive a Pakistani is of the sight of a woman's body if compared to a western man (the American, for instance). The comparison brings to surface the deep contrast between the two different cultures. America is based on financial fundamentalism and does not ban engaging physical contact with a woman. On the contrary Pakistan is more relater to religious fundamentalism, which prohibit such physical contact. The lexical choice “remarkable” conveys the peculiarity of such cultural difference.

Possible conclusion

Pakistan's body-repressive culture has the effect to make Pakistani more curious and sensible to the sight of a woman's body. The paradoxical result of the religious fundamentalism is to increase man’s attraction towards woman.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I said I hoped one day to be the dictator of an Islamic republic with nuclear capability; the others appeared shocked, and I was forced to explain that I had being joking.”

“Dissi che avrei voluto diventare il dittatore di una repubblica islamica dotata di un arsenale nucleare; gli altri sembravano scioccati, e mi toccò spiegare che stavo scherzando.”

The original version uses a nominal style. “Nuclear capability”, which contains no verb, is translated into “dotata di un arsenale nucleare”. The Italian translation focuses more on the active role of the Islamic republic which owns the “arsenale”. The original version seems to focus more on the typology of the arsenal (“nuclear capability”) leaving a passive role for the republic. This comparison makes the Italian version of the “republic” more aggressive, active and capable to use such “arsenale nucleare”.

The English version describes with more certainty the friends' reaction: they “appeared shocked”. There is no possible misunderstanding; the friends are shocked and appear to be so. The Italian translation leaves some uncertainty as is says “sembravano”.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of religion and of two different cultures meeting. It is useful to understand how American (and western people in general) reacts in front of an Islamic religion.

Analysis

Changez is talking to a group of western friends. He is requested to reveal one of his desires. Joking about is Islamic nature he disconcerts his friends who are not able to get the joke. The narrator plays with American people’s fears: dictatorship, Islamic religion and nuclear war. The fact that nobody is able to understand he is actually joking reveals the stereotypical vision of his friends. He is Pakistani so everyone expect him to be potential terrorist and dictator. The use of the passive verb “forced” connotes this prejudicial judgment.

Possible conclusion

Changez is an intelligent Pakistani who has the ability to play on the stereotypes Americans make on Pakistan. Americans, on the contrary, seem not to be able to understand the difference between a stereotype and a real characteristic.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“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 behavior of an animal that has ventured too far from its lair and is now, in unfamiliar surroundings, uncertain whether it is predator or prey!”

“Non vorrei che se ne risentisse, ma la frequenza e la determinazione con cui si guarda intorno, 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.”

The general meaning of the two quotations is the same.
There are a few noticeable differences which ought to be considered.

Firs of all Changez refers to his “hope” in the original version while in the translation there is no such word. As a consequence in the original version Changez seems to be more polite towards his interlocutor.

It is interesting to notice how the onomatopoeic sound of the clock is differently declined: in the original version it is “tick tick tick.” while in the translation it sounds like a “tic tac”. This difference allows the reader to reflect on the different characteristics of the two language. English seems to be more repetitive and pragmatic since it declines the sound with more simplicity. On the other hand in the Italian translation the inserts the onomatopoeia in a more complex clause and builds a more articulated sentence, both from the level of sound and from the level of syntax.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting and exploits the theme of suspect.

Analysis

Changez is talking to the American and he is noticing his attitude to look around himself, as if he fears something. Particularly Changez refers to “frequency” and “purposefulness” which connote the American's glance as a repetitive and intense action: it seems like he is not paying attention to Changez's words. The comparison between the American and an animal brings to surface his instinctive attitude. However Changez is not able to understand if his interlocutor is hunting or being hunted. Changez refers to a land “too far from its laid” alluding at the insecurity the interlocutor feels being in Lahore.

Possible conclusion

The interlocutor is far from his home in “unfamiliar surroundings”. Changez can understand such sensation because he himself felt it.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (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.”

“Mi ritrovai ad essere immediatamente neworkese. Come? Sto alzando la voce? Ha ragione; divento sentimentale quando penso a quella città.”

The meaning of the quotations is quite the same and the main differences affect syntax. Particularly the original version better communicates Changez emotionality while thinking of New York.

In the English version it is the voice itself who rises: it seems like Changez's rational side cannot control it. Changez is not the subject, the voice is.

On the contrary in the Italian translation “sto alzando la voce” conveys the active role of Changez: he is actually rising his voice, he is the subject which makes the action.

Reason for choice

The quotation refers to the theme of travel and to the topic of two different cultures meeting.

Analysis

The narrator is analyzing his relationship with New York. There is a strong bound between him and the city as the word “sentimental” proves. The adverb “immediately” suggests the origin of such relationship: the multicultural city allowed him to feel at home. His eastern origin was not a problem in New York. Such relationship is emphasized by the sentence “My voice is rising?”.

Possible conclusion

While Changez's relationship with America has being destroyed he is still “in love” to New York which makes him “sentimental”.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“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.”

“Era veramente un altro mondo rispetto al pakistan; a sostenere I miei piedi erano I prodotti della civiltà più tecnologicamente avanzata che la nostra specie avesse mai conosciuto.

There are some relevant differences in the two quotations.

The original one contains “I realized” which cannot be found in the translation. The original version better conveys Changez awareness of his condition. On the other side the Italian translation uses the adverb “veramente” to connote the same meaning but with less strength.

What's more the original version deals with America's “achievements” while the Italian translation uses “prodotti”. The original one suggests the American condition as an achievement every state should get while the translation conveys a different meaning: in fact “prodotti” only refers to the consequence of such development.

Reason for choice

The quotation puts in comparison Pakistan and America's buildings exploiting the topic of two different cultural systems meeting.

Analysis

Changez is putting in comparison Pakistan and America. The narrator is enjoying American technologically advanced buildings. America itself is defined as “the most technologically advanced civilization our species had ever known”. The statement enlightens Changez's stereotypical point of view: judging America he only refers to New York, a metropolis which is not representative of the entire nation. Pakistan looks ancient and underdeveloped if compared to NY. There is no sadness or regret in Changez's words: he is just amazed of being in such developed country.

Possible conclusion

Changez has a limited vision of America: New York cannot represent the whole state.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“But not on that day. On that day, I did not think of myself as a Pakistani, but as an Underwood Samson trainee, and my firm's impressive offices made me proud.”

“Ma non quel giorno. Quel giorno non pensavo a me come a un pakistano, bensì come a un praticante della Underwood Samson, e gli spettacolari uffici dell'azienda mi rendevano orgoglioso”.

There are no relevant differences in the two version of the quotation. The Italian version provides a good translation of the original. However some minor differences should be analyzed.

In the original version Changez's defines himself as a “trainee” which means he is trying to became a member of the Underwood Samson.
The translation instead uses the word “praticante” which means he is already practicing of the firm and so he is already a marginal part of the U. Samson.

The effect the two different version evoke is slightly different: the original version better conveys the message of a man who wants to be part of a world that is not accessible for now. The adjective “impressive” proves such statement.

Reason for choice

The quotation is related to the theme of identity and to the topic of two different cultures meeting.

Analysis

Changez is reflecting on his role at Underwood Samson. It seems like he puts his work in front of his own identity: “I did not think of myself as a Pakistani, but as an U.S. trainee”. This statement enlightens Changez's point of view on the problem of financial fundamentalism: he accepts it and wants to integrate himself in the financial system of U.S.. The last word of the quotation provides an argumentation; “proud” is connoted with an italic font-type and characterizes Changez's sensations in front of the beauty of the U.S.'s buildings.

Possible conclusion

Changez fully accepts financial fundamentalism and even regrets his own origin in order to became part of the “impressive offices” that make him “proud”.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (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 perché si ritrae? Ah sì, questo mendicante è un tipo davvero sfortunato. C'è da chiedersi che sorta di incidente possa averl sfigurato così. Le viene vicino perché lei è uno straniero. Vuole dagli qualcosa? No? Molto saggio.”

There are some little differences between the two versions.

The original one uses “series of accidents” while the Italian version uses “sorta di incidente”. The original version of the quotation communicates that the beggar has been trough several “accidents” while the translation only refers to one accident. The original version creates more curiosity in the reader because of the more complex condition of the beggar.

In the original version the sentence “one can only wonder” cannot be literally translated in Italian. In fact the literal translation would sound impolite (“uno si potrebbe chiedere”) and not coherent with the high and formal language used by Changez.

Reason for choice

The quotation deal with the topic of two different cultures meeting (the Pakistani Changez and the “foreigner” American”). Moreover it is related to the theme of suspect.

Analysis

Changez is talking to his American interlocutor about a beggar who asks him for money. The quotation underlines the American's uncomfortable sensation and rejection in front of a desperate “disfigured” man. It is noticeable the relationship between the beggar ant the American: the beggar comes closer to the American because he is a “foreigner” while he “wisely” rejects him. This attraction/rejection sounds like a metaphor for the relationship between people from different cultures: interest comes together with the fear of the other.

Possible conclusion

The American feels uncomfortable being in Pakistan: he is suspicious in front of everything.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Surely, New York by night must be one of the greatest sights in the world.”

“New York di notte è indubbiamente uno degli spettacoli più belli del mondo.”

The two quotations are slightly different in meaning.

The original version uses the word “sights” while the translator chooses the word “spettacolo”. The original is more related to senses and perception while the Italian version focuses more on the uniqueness of the sight. However the original version gives a better connotation of the “sight”. The original version uses “must”,“surely” and “greatest” which conveys a deep message of certainty of New York's beauty.

The Italian translation uses “più belli” instead of “greatest” which alludes to a comparison of the sight and not to an absolute beauty.

Reason for choice

The quotation is related to the theme of two cultures meeting. The Pakistani Changez is looking at New York.

Analysis

Changez is talking to his interlocutor about the nightly sight of New York. The adverb “Surely” brings to surface Changez's appreciation of New York. It seems like he has no doubt about the uniqueness of the city. The presence of the modal verb “must” arguments this hypothesis. Moreover the adjective “greatest” connotes the city as one of the biggest in terms of importance.

Possible conclusion

The narrator seems to be in love with New York as the lexical and semantic choice of “must”,“surely” and “greatest” confirms.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I felt a peculiar feeling; I felt at home.”

“Provavo una sensazione particolare; mi sentivo a casa.”

The quotations has the same meaning. However the English version provides a better connotation of Changez's feeling.

The original version uses the verb “felt” two times while the translation uses “provavo” and “sentivo”. The repetition (anaphora) of the verb in the original version supplies a deep connotation. There is no anaphora in the translation.

On the other hand the hyperbaton figures out both in the English and in the Italian version. Even so the original version still provides a better connotation: the multilayered meaning of “feel” and “feeling” leaves a great ambiguity. Such ambiguity makes the reader feel unable to fully understand Changez's deep feelings which are inaccessible.

Reason for choice

The quotation is strictly related to the topic of two cultures meeting and of two different genders meeting. Moreover it is useful to understand Changez's concept of “home”.

Analysis

The narrator is visiting Erica's house: he is invited for a dinner with his family. Changez says to feel “at home”. This statement allows the reader to understand his concept of home. Since he is in love with Erica and he is now in her house it seems like Changez considers home a place where he knows he can find beloved people. “Home” turns out to be not only a physical place but an ideal place full of the persons Changez is in love with. The narrator seems not to be confident with such feeling as he defines it to be “peculiar”. The anaphora and hyperbaton “felt” and “feeling” connotes the “peculiar” sensation as a deep emotion which usually does not come to surface.

Possible conclusion

Changez is in love with Erica. The essence of his love is conveyed by the anaphora and by the hyperbaton. Changez's love is sincere and deeply anchored to his heart.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I met her eyes, and for the first time I perceived that there was something broken behind them, like a tiny crack in a diamond that becomes visible only when viewed through a magnifying lens; normally it is hidden by the brilliance of the stone.”

“Incrociai il suo sguardo, e per la prima volta percepii dietro I suoi occhi qualcosa di incrinato, come una minuscola fenditura in un diamante che si riesce a vedere solo con la lente di ingrandimento.”

The general meaning of the quotations is the same. However there are some lexical discrepancies between the two versions.

The original version uses the words “broken” and “crack” which are onomatopoeic words. They recall the sound a stone makes when it breaks. In this case they refer to a diamond. While the translation “incrinato” keeps the onomatopoeic effect “fenditura” generally refer to something which is not intact anymore. As a consequence there is a less articulated level of sound: the general effect is less intense than in the original version.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different genders meeting (Erica/female and Changez/male). Nevertheless it is related to the theme of love.

Analysis

Changez is having a picnic with Erica and they are talking about Chris. Changez is a great observer and this quotation proves his ability once more. He is looking at Erica's eyes and he notices something “broken”, some kind of “crack” he never noticed before. There seems to be a deep relation between the argument of the discussion (Chris) and the “crack”. In fact Erica is still in love with his dead boyfriend. The use of the italic font type connotes “broken” as an important word. It actually defines Erica's whole state of mind which is broken because of the contrast between Chris ans Changez. It turn out that Erica always tries to hide such break in her eyes.

Possible conclusion

Changez is now aware of Erica's condition: Chris still occupies her mind and she is not as bright as she appears.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“(Erica's father) 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.”

“I pakistani mi piacciono. Ma l'èlite ha vatto una vera e propria razzia, giusto? E poi il fondamentalismo. Laggiù avete seri problemi con il fondamentalismo.”

The original version is more violently connoted. The presence of “rape” connotes Pakistan as a place which is completely dominated and subdued by the elite. On the other hand in the Italian translation the translator choose a less violent form: “vera e propria razzia”. Indeed the Italian translator's choice does not convey the same message of misery and sufferance the original version conveys. Nevertheless the second part of the quotation is slightly different on the lever of lexis. The Italian version gives a geophysical characterization of Pakistan: “laggiù” suggests the distance from America and the subdued position (America is over Pakistan). The original version gives an anthropological characterization using “you guys” which puts some distance between the Pakistani and the American. The original refers to Pakistani and Americans, the translation to Pakistan and America.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting (Pakistani and American, East and West). Moreover it deals with the topic of fundamentalism. The quotation does not specify what kind of fundamentalism Erica's father is talking about.

Analysis

Changez's is talking with Erica's father who is asking him some questions about Pakistan. The use of words like “rape” and “you guys” connotes Erica's father as an impolite man who provably has not a clear view of Eastern countries. He generally refers to the “fundamentalists”: the reader cannot understand if he is referring to economic, financial, politic or religious fundamentalism. The quotation sounds funny because of Erica's father's ignorance: he jokes about Pakistan “serious problems with fundamentalism” not being amble to recognize America's own problems.

Possible conclusion

Erica's father is a racist and impolite man who knows nothing about Pakistan and Middle East in general. He provably does not even know the meaning of fundamentalism.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“The sky above us still contains a tinge of color, and I can see you quite clearly as you stand there with your hand in your jacket. I assure you: no one will attempt to steal your wallet.”

“Il cielo sopra di noi ha ancora una sfumatura di colore, e io la distinguo benissimo lì in piedi con la mano dentro la giacca. Le assicuro che nessuno cercherà di rubarle il portafoglio.”

The meaning of the two quotations is quite the same.
There is only one lexical difference which is however of great importance. The original version uses “quite clearly” to describe Changez's sight. The juxtaposition of the two antithetic words creates ambiguity and uncertainty: “clearly” suggest certitude and security while “quite” suggests provability and uncertainty.

On the other hand the Italian version is not so ambiguously connoted.

The lexical choice “distinguo benissimo” conveys a strong feeling of certainty and assures the reader of Changez's great observation attitude.

Reason for choice

The quotation refers to the topic of two different cultures meeting. Moreover it is related to the theme of fear and suspect between the two characters.

Analysis

The quotation explore the theme of fear and suspect between Changez's and his American interlocutor. His interlocutor is troubled by the lack of light (the lights are just gone off) and suddenly stand up with his hand in the jacket. The different perception of light and of the environment emerges: the American is strictly related to artificial light while the Pakistani feels comfortable in the “tinge of color” of the natural skylight. Changez's ability to exactly describe the American posture proves his comfort in the natural light of a twilight. The American appears to fear for his wallet to be stolen: Changez assures him no one will try to rob him.

Possible conclusion

The American is provably reaching for his gun, ready to defend himself.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“But bats have survived here. They are successful urban dwellers, like you and I, swift enough to escape detection and canny enough to hunt among a crowd.”

“I pipistrelli invece sono sopravvissuti anche qui. Sono cittadini successo, come me e lei, abbastanza svegli da non lasciarsi sorprendere e abbastanza guardinghi da andare a caccia in mezzo alla folla.”

The original version uses a nominal style while the Italian translation prefers a verbal style. The shorter English version focuses on the bats abilities: escaping detention and hunting among a crowd. The longer Italian version focuses more on bats actions: “da non lasciarsi sorprendere”, “da andare a caccia”. The English version underlines the shadowy nature of bats which can move trough the city undetected. Both versions keep the repetition of the adjective “enough” (“abbastanza”).

Reason for choice

The quotation puts in relation the narrator and the American. It could be useful to analyze the topic of two different cultures meeting.

Analysis

The narrator uses a metaphor to describe his and the American's adaptation ability. Both of them have been forced to adapt to a whole different culture, far from home and all by themselves. Changez has lived in America for several years while the American interlocutor is now all alone in Lahore, a Pakistani city. Both the American and the narrator are denoted as “swift” and “canny”. Both of them are at the same time prey (swift) and predator (canny) because they are able to “escape” and “hunt”. The reader is not able to understand who is the prey and who is the predator and this ambiguity is conveyed by the juxtaposition “you and I”.

Possible conclusion

The quotation puts in comparison the two characters highlighting their ability to adapt to an urban environment: Changez knows how it feels to be in a different country far from home and so he can understand the American's feelings.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Have you been to the East, sir? You have! Truly, you are well-traveled for an American, for a person of any country, for that matter.”

“È mai stato in oriente, signore? Davvero? Lei ha viaggiato molto per essere americano, per una persona di qualunque nazionalità, a dire il vero.”

The two quotation are organized in the same way and the translation keeps the meaning of the original version. However the use of a double question in the Italian translation is noticeable. The English version, in fact, uses “You have!” as an expression of surprise while the translation uses “Davvero?” which denotes uncertainty and incredulity. Once more the English version uses a nominal style (“well-traveled for an American”) while the Italian translation adopts a verbal style (“lei ha viaggiato molto per essere americano”): the translation focuses on actions, the original focuses on adjective and characteristics.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of travel and of two different cultures meeting.

Analysis

Changez's question brings to surface his stereotypes against American people: he is a frequent traveler and beliefs Americans are not so. Moreover the stereotypical point of view is conveyed by the second sentence “You have!”: Changez is incredulous and wants the American to confirm his answer. Knowing nothing of his interlocutor the narrator assumes he is not a frequent traveler because he comes from America. Changez seems to notice the stereotypical nature of his reaction and immediately adds “for a person of any country, for that matter”.

Possible conclusion

The quotation proofs the existence of stereotypes in Changez's mind.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I looked at him – at his fair hair and light eyes and, most of all, his oblivious immersion in the minutiae of our work – and thought, you are so foreign.”

“Lo guardai, capelli biondi e gli occhi chiari, soprattutto la sua assoluta dedizione alle minuzie del nostro lavoro, e pensai: come sei straniero.”

The general meaning of the two version is the same. However the Italian translation connotes Changez's statement “come sei straniero” as a consequence based on the previous analysis of his colleague. In fact the use of the colon connotes the sentence as a conclusion to a process of analysis which ends whit a judgment.

The English translation does not focuses on such process and organizes the whole quotation as a plain statement: the act of “looked” and the “thought” happened at the same time. The absence of a colon and the use of a comma denotes “you are so foreign” as a coordinate clause.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting. Changez feels distant from his colleague who looks so different from him.

Analysis

Changez is experiencing a feeling of unease to the sight of a stranger. Even if the “stranger” is a colleague and works with him. Particularly the narrator describes “him” as “foreign”. The use of an italic font-type connotes the word as a relevant keyword. The implicit contrast between the narrator and the “him” enlightens such sense of unease: Changez is a Pakistani and provably has dark hair and eyes, the “him” has “fair hair and light eyes”. However what makes him look so stranger and foreign is his peculiar “immersion in the minutiae of our work”. Changez identifies him as foreign analyzing his different working style.

Possible conclusion

The way someone works and acts is strictly related to one's culture.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (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.”

“Vidi crollare prima una poi l'altra delle Torri gemelle del World Trade Center di New York. E allora sorrisi.”

The meaning of the two quotations is slightly different. In the English version Changez is staring at the collapsed towers. The focus is on the result of the attack: the symbol of American power in economy and finance is now destroyed. The Italian translation focuses more on the process, underlying the progressive fall of the towers (“vidi crollare”, the use of the infinite denotes the action as progressive trough time). On the other side the English version denotes the “smile” as a consequence of the sight (“and then”) while the Italian version denotes it as contemporary with the sight.

Reason for choice

The quotation allows to make consideration on Changez's relationship with America and on the topic of two different cultures meeting. Moreover it deals with the topic of war and terrorism.

Analysis

The climax of rejection towards American culture tops with this quotation. Changez is smiling while staring at the attack against the World Trade Center. Changez's difficult relationship with American culture and economic world makes him fell quite happy in front of the attack. The Twin Towers are the symbol of American economics. The narrator is reluctant towards financial and economic fundamentalism which is now being symbolically destroyed by Islamic terrorists. Changez feels to be part of such Islamic world.

Possible conclusion

Changez fundamentalism acceptance is turning from economics and finance to religion.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“no, I was caught up in the symbolism of it all, the fact that someone had so visibly brought America to her knees.”

“No, ero colpito la simbolismo della cosa, dal fatto che qualcuno fosse riuscito a mettere in ginocchio gli Stati Uniti in modo tanto smaccato.”

The comparative analysis brings to surface some syntactical differences. The Italian translation needs to use a periphrasis to translate “visibly” and the Italian organization of the sentence puts “in un modo tanto smaccato” at the end of the clause. The translation uses “Stati Uniti” instead of “America”; America is less accurate and could be a source of misunderstanding in the Italian version.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting.

Analysis

Changez is reflecting on the 9/11 attack and wondering the reason of his smiley reaction. The conclusion is he smiled because of the symbolic nature of the attack. “Symbolism” is a keyword connoted by the italic font-type: the attack against the tower is an allegory for an attack against American economic system. The personification of America (said to be “brought to her knees”) conveys the shame America felt for the attack.

Possible conclusion

Changez is now completely reluctant of economic fundamentalism and seems to better accept religious fundamentalism.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Nothing escapes you; your senses are as acute as those of a fox in the wild”

“Non le sfugge niente; i suoi sensi sono acuti quanto quelli di una volpe nella foresta.”

The syntax and the meaning of the two quotations are the same. The punctuation is identical. However there are some lexical differences. The Italian version chooses to translate “wild” with “foresta”. The original word better conveys the sense of an animal instinct, of a dangerous situation in which death is always something to fear. The translation seems to characterize the fox as a predator while the original version makes the fox a prey in danger.

Reason for choice

The quotation is interesting in the order of reason it deals with the American's feeling to be in a foreign country.

Analysis

The quotation is a simile which puts in comparison the suspicious American with an acute fox. Changez notices the American's unease and discomfort and compares his tension with a fox in the wild who must pay attention to everything not to be killed.

Possible conclusion

The American's unease could be a hint for his “mission” in Lahore: he provably has something dangerous to do and he fears to be caught.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (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.”

“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 syntax and the organization of information is the same in both versions. However the final clause has some relevant differences.

The original version “beware of our wrath” conveys a message of self-consciousness of American power. America suggests to look out for his power and “wrath” and to be alerted.

On the contrary the Italian version conveys a more aggressive message: “vedrete scartenarsi la nostra ira” does not suggest alert but rather fear. The translation does not leave any possibility of misunderstanding: America is going to attack and everyone should be prepared.

Reason for choice

The quotation is related to the topic of two cultures and different classes meeting. It focuses on the contrast between East and West and on the military power of America.

Analysis

Changez is wondering what message do all the American flags convey. Having mostly abandoned financial fundamentalism he looks at America as a dictatorship who want to destroy all his enemies. The narrator is reflecting on the 9/11 attack and on the consequent invasion of middle east stated actuated by US. The use of the italic font-type denotes the sentence as extraneous from Changez's beliefs. The parenthetic sentence reveals his point of view: New York is a multicultural city and it is far from being a good representation for the whole USA.

Possible conclusion

The quotation reveals Changez's fear of American military power.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“-(Erica) I love it when you talk about where you come from-, she said, slipping her arm through mine, -you become so alive-”

"Adoro quando racconti del tuo paese,-disse lei prendendomi sottobraccio,-diventi così vivo.”

The Italian translation looks more synthetic and uses less words. The English version contains two periphrasis and is more articulated if compared to the Italian one. The translation uses “tuo paese” to translate a whole sentence “where you come from”. Such stylistic choice connotes Pakistan as strictly related to Changez as Erica uses the adjective “tuo”. The original version does not convey the same connotation.

Moreover the Italian translation uses “sottobraccio” to translate “her arm through min”. In this case the original version has a richer connotation conveyed by the use of the pronouns “her” and “mine”: there is a bound, a physical contact between the two characters.

Reason for choice

Erica is talking with Changez revealing the topic of two different cultures and gender meeting. Moreover the quotation analyzes the topic of origin.

Analysis

The quotation makes an implicit reflection on the role Pakistan plays in Changez's life. Erica looks interested in Changez's talking about his country. Reading between the lines Changez turns out not to be “so alive” if he does not talk about Pakistan. The narrator's home country becomes a source of life.

Possible conclusion

Changez is so strictly related to his home country it turns out he can truly feel alive only speaking of it.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I was presumptuous enough to think that this was how my live was meant to be”

“Ero abbastanza presuntuoso da pensare che quella fosse la vita giusta per me.”

The main difference between the two quotation affects the Italian translation of the verb “meant”. The original version connotes Changez's life as passively acted by the narrator. The Italian translation cannot convey the same message because “giusta per me” does not communicate the passive nature of Changez's life. On the other side the Italian version deals with the unappropriated nature of Changez's life which is not “right for him”.

Reason for choice

The quotation is interesting because it refers to Changez's deep thoughts about his own life.

Analysis

Considering the quotation Changez appears to be a man who has lost control over his life. He seems to feel lost and he looks like he does not know what to do. The narrator has a passive role in his own life which is manipulated from outside. The italic-font type connoted word “meant” conveys such message of passivity and inability to take control. The use of the simple past connoted the situation as repetitive in the past. However the quotation suggests that things has now changed and Changez has finally understood which is the true meaning of his life.

Possible conclusion

Changez used not to have control over his life but now things have changed.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Perhaps because of our conversation I dreamed not of Erica, but of home; what she dreamed of I did not know”

“Forse a causa della nostra conversazione, non sognai Erica, ma la mia casa; cosa sognò lei, non lo so.”

The meaning of the quotation is the same. However there is a noticeable lexical difference. The original version uses the word “home” which is connoted by a sense of familiarity and affection. In the Italian translation the distinction between “house” and “home” is explicated by the possessive adjective “mia”. The Italian language has only one word to refer to one's dwelling and needs to add the adjective in order to give the sense of affection “home” has.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of origins and different genders meeting.

Analysis

The quotation is useful to comprehend Changez's relationship with Erica/America and Pakistan. In this instance the relationship with Pakistan is stronger than the one with Erica. The dreams are the places where the unconscious comes to the surface: Changez in unconsciously preferring his relationship with Pakistan and its tradition than the love affair with Erica/America.

Possible conclusion

Changez's love relationship with Erica is falling down and he needs to refuge himself in Pakistan, his home country.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Certainly I wanted to believe; at least I wanted not to disbelieve with such an intensity that I prevented myself as much as was possible from making the obvious connection between the crumbling of the world around me and the impending destruction of my personal American dream.”

“Di sicuro volevo crederci; o quantomeno non volevo non crederci, con una tale intensità da impedirmi di fare l’ovvia connessione tra il frantumarsi del mondo intorno a me e l’incombente distruzione del mio personale sogno americano.”

The Italian quotation is almost similar to the English one.
The word “dream” creates a deep relationship between the narrator and the USA.
In each quote, “dream” is strictly connects to the “world”. The dream becomes a personification of Changez’s life while the world stands for reality.

Moreover on linguistic level, the double negation (“not to dis-“) is correctly translated with its parallelism (“wanted- believe /wanted –believeà volevo crederci/volvevo crederci) to empathize what he really feels.

Reason for choice

The quotation sounds particularly interesting for different orders of reason: it refers to the Changez’s “America dream”. He can only thing about his dream. As a result he is not aware of what is really happening.

Themes:

Relationship between aim and reality

Relationship between cultures (Pakistani-American)

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Analysis

The relationship between the “world” and his own dream creates a close connection between what he is and what he want to be. The “crumbling of the world” shows the Changez’s fragility. His weakness does not make possible the changing of the own status.

Possible conclusion

The narrator shows the complete end of relations with America.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

The entrance between her legs was wet and dilated, but was at the same time oddly rigid; it reminded me - unwillingly -of a wound, giving our sex a violent undertone despite the gentleness with which I attempted to move.

“La finitura tra le sue gambe era bagnata e dilatata, ma allo stesso tempo di una strana rigidità; mi ricordava, involontariamente, una ferita, il che conferiva al nostro rapporto un che di violento, nonostante la delicatezza con cui cercavo di muovermi.”

In the English quote the narrator uses some words to outline the extreme grace of Changez. Therefore, the words “unwillingly”, “undertone” and “grievously” characterize Changez’s subdued behavior. In addition to that, the circumlocution (“it was her time of month”)reveals the elegant style used. Maybe Changez’s behavior is imposed by his religion.

On the other hand, the term “unwillingly” points out the reluctant aspect of Changez.

Conversely, in the translation, what Changez feels seems to be something accidental (“involontariamente”). The term “unwillingly” points out the reluctant aspect of Changez.

On the other hand the Italian translation seems to connote Changez's thoughts as something accidental (“involontariamente”).

Reason for choice

The reason of the choice of this quotation consists of the contrast between sex and violence. The sexual intercourse takes the aspect of a war between two enemies. Changez maybe thinks not to be accepted by Erica. He understands the incompatibility between Erica and him but also between western and easern culture.

Themes:

Relationship between cultures

Relationship between two genders (male –female)

Relationship between different religions

Relationship between two different economic systems

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Identity- multiple identity

Analysis

The intimacy of the moment is ruined by the Changez’s thoughts. He feels Erica’s rigidity to be in conflict with his “gentleness”. The peace of mind spreaded by the moment is converted into a violent one. mind is converted into a violent one.

The narrator wants to increase the distinction between war terms (“wound”, “violent”, “blood”) and love one (“sex”, “gentleness”).

Possible conclusion

Erica stands for America, and this quotation demonstrates the relationship between Erica (America) and Changez. The screw becomes a violent moment to underline the brutal conflict with America.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“Most people don’t recognize that, kid, - he said, buckling himself in beside me and nodding his head in the direction of the darkened building we had left. - They try to resist change. Power comes from becoming change”

“La maggior parte della gente non se ne rende conto, ragazzo- disse allacciandosi la cintura con un cenno del capo in direzione del buio edificio alle nostre spalle.- Così cerca di resistere al cambiamento. Ma il potere deriva dal diventare cambiamento.”

The difference between “to recognize” and “rendersi conto” (“to realize”) is: 'Recognize' means know by looking at someone/something. 'Realize' means understand after consideration as in.

In the English quotation, people does not want to accept the reality, on the contrary they do not want to participate changing. In the Italian one, people appear unrelated to reality and unknowing the change. Furthermore, “ma” confers more separation between people who “try to resist change” and Jim’s ideal.

In each one, the word “kid” underlines the difference between Changez and the World. Even if he works for an important company he will never dominate the World.

Reason for choice

The quotation sounds particularly interesting: it refers to the behavior of common people, who are afraid to lose their stability and do not want to change. To tell the truth, the power of change creates the own ability of leadership.

The meeting of the Other implies the approach of a new vision of reality.

Themes:

Relationship between social classes (middle class-elite)

Relationship superiority-inferiority

Relationship between cultures

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Analysis

The quotations opens up the idea of change of power. Jim, Changez’s mentor, shows the difference between ordinary people and them. The intelligent reader can notice the words Jim uses are similar to Gandhi’s expression: “We must become the change we want to see in the world”. It also refers to an Indian’s leader (different culture).

Possible conclusion

Jim explains his ideal and invites Changez to change himself.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“If English had a respectful form of the word you - as we do in Urdu - I would have used it to address them without the slightest hesitation.”

“Se l’inglese avesse avuto, come l’urdu, una forma di rispetto equivalente al lei o voi, l’avrei usata senza esitazioni nel rivolgermi a loro.”

The first difference between the two quotations is the “as we do”. It demonstrates Changez’s ability to speak in Urdu, his native language.

However in Italian one “come” does not reveal this aspect.

The second difference is about the Italian language. The translator uses “equivalente al lei o voi”(there is not any refer to English one) to make the sense of the quote more understandable and to clear the idea of “respectful form”.

Reason for choice

The quotation refers to Changez’s attitude. He appears respectful and comprehensive. However, in Underwood Samson these characteristics are not important: the US do not care of people but only of money (capitalism).

On an anthropological level, the quotation shows two different visions of the world: the Eastern vision (Changez) focuses on the respect of people and the Western one focuses on the importance of the profit.

Themes:

Relationship superiority-inferiority

Relationship between cultures

Relationship between languages

Relationship between two different economic systems

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Analysis

The quotations focuses the attention on the different languages and on its uses. Changez knows and speaks:

· English (the official language of Pakistan);

· Punjabi (his regional language);

· Urdu (Pakistan’s national language).

What benefit does mastery of multiple languages confer? Perspective: the using of different languages create more vision of reality. For example, English does not have a respectful form. On the other hand, Urdu, with its respectful form, shows the importance giving to the human being.

Possible conclusion

The quote shows the difference between languages. It is an important point to create also difference between cultures and religions.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

Focus on the fundamentals. This was Underwood Samson’s guiding principle, drilled into us since our first day at work. It mandated a single-minded attention to financial detail, teasing out the true nature of those drivers that determine an asset’s value

“Concentrati sui fondamenti. Il principio guida della Underwood Samson, inculcato dentro di noi fin dal primo giorno di lavoro. Significava prestare attenzione esclusivamente all'aspetto finanziario, senza preoccuparsi della vera natura degli indicatori che determinavano il valore di una risorsa.”

The quotations shows two different aspect about the “guiding principle”. That is why, in the English one the verbs “to drill” and “to mandate” underline the strength used by Underwood Samson. Indeed, it points out the power, mixed with violence, used by the company. On the other hand, the translation does not highlight this aspect.

Reason for choice

The quotation is important to demonstrate another aspect of the word “fundamentalism”: the market fundamentalism (to produce the best possible results). This aspect is connected to capitalism: an economic system based on the private ownership. Thus, the importance is only about the financial detail.

Another reason is the presence of word “fundamentals”.

Themes:

Relationship superiority-inferiority

Relationship between cultures

Relationship between two different economic systems

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Analysis

The topic of the quote is the difference between two thoughts. Changez, who appears comprehensive, demonstrates his humanity. By the way, the American economic system is more interested in money making (“financial details”) than people’s values.

Possible conclusion

The quote shows the American interest of making money. Underwood Samson appears as a robot without feeling in front of people in a spot.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“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.”

“Avevo sempre pensato di Stati Uniti come una nazione che guardava avanti, per la prima volta fui colpito dalla sua determinazione a guardare indietro.”

The quotations are similar, every term is translated in its better expression. By the way, “America” is translated in “Stati Uniti”. The second term “US” underlines the unity of the nation while the real purpose of the narrator is to explain its weakness.

The feeling of nostalgia is explained by the verb “look back”. It means American will to bring back lost values.

Reason for choice

The quotation refers to the American system. In the Changez’s eyes it appears as a nation that looks “forward”. Then, when he is integral part of it he understands the precariousness of the system.

Themes:

Relationship between cultures

Relationship between two different economic systems

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Nostalgia

Analysis

The quotations show the weakness of America. It appears as a dominant power even if a bombardment (WTC’s disaster) proves how USA is not a cohesive nation.

Possible conclusion

The real will of America is to look back, not to look forward as appearances.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I sat on the airplane next to a man who removed his shoes - much to my dismay- and who said, after praying in the aisle, that nuclear annihilation would not be avoided if it was God’s will, but God’s will in this matter was as yet unknown.”

“In aeroplano ero seduto accanto all'uomo che - con mio grande rammarico-si tolse le scarpe e, dopo aver pregato il corridoio tra i sedili, disse che la catastrofe nucleare non poteva essere evitata se tale età la volontà di Dio, ma che la volontà di Dio in proposito era del tutto sconosciuta.”

In each one the embarrassed feeling is demonstrated by an incidental preposition. The difference to connote Changez’s irritability is the adjective “dismay” while “rammarico” can be translated in “regret”. Dismay has not coherent motivational component. In the English one, the Muslin appears as an enemy or something far from Changez’s nature; on the other hand “pensare” does not establish the presence of this “enemy”.

Reason for choice

The quotation sounds particularly interesting for different orders of reason: it refers to the Changez’s reluctance in front of a Muslin who is praying. Changez appears upset and stressed, maybe because he recognizes he does not follow Muslim principles.

The words Muslin tells him appear as a secret religious message. The meaning of the message has to appease Changez’s soul.

Themes:

Relationship between cultures

Relationship between different religions

Relationship with the Other (any relationship that implies adaptation to a new or difficult situation)

Religious integralism – reluctance

Analysis

In the two quotations Changez, who has not shaved his beard, is “dismay” in front of the Muslin because he fells ashamed, embarrassed (maybe because he does not follow his religious values). What the Muslim man tells him seems to be a cryptographic message, linked to a religious meaning and interpretation.

Possible conclusion

Changez appears reluctant in front of a Muslin man

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“I reflected that I had always resented the manner in which America conducted itself in the world; your country’s constant interference in the affairs of others was insufferable. Vietnam, Korea, the straits of Taiwan, the Middle East, and now Afghanistan: in each of the major conflicts and standoffs that ringed my mother continent of Asia, America played a central role”

“Riflettevo su quanto mi avesse urtato il modo in cui gli Stati Uniti si comportano nel mondo; la continua intromissione del vostro paese negli affari degli altri è insopportabile. Vietnam, Corea, Taiwan, il Medio oriente, adesso l'Afganistan: in ognuno dei grossi conflitti e delle prove di forza che hanno dilaniato l'Asia, il mio continente natale, gli Stati Uniti hanno giocato un ruolo centrale.”

The general meaning of the two quotation is similar but the English version better connotes Changez's reflection. The presence of the adverb “always” denotes his feelings as everlasting. The translation does not contain an equivalent adverb. As a result the strength of his judgment is weaker in the translation.

Once more the Italian version translates “America” into “Stati Uniti” which better confines the range of Changez's judgment: “America” sounds more like a general definition of a the northern countries of the American continent while “Stati Uniti” is more specific. The effect this specification creates in the reader is a more accurate attack to a specific kind of society.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with Changez's relationship with the United States. Particularly it expresses his point of view about America's imperialistic attitude. The quotation is relate do the topic of two different culture meeting and to the theme of war.

Analysis

The quotation consists Changez's reflection about American imperialism against Eastern countries. Changez feels to be a part of Asia which is his real “mother country”. Every attack to an Asian country is like a personal attack to him. Asia is his mother country because it represent his cultural and religious identity.

Possible conclusion

Changez's now aware that the sentiment of resentment and hate he feels while thinking of American international politics has always been hidden under his appreciation for American economics.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“There is in such situations usually a moment of passion during which the unthinkable is said; this is followed by a sense of euphoria at finally being liberated; the world seems fresh, as if seen for the first time; then comes the inevitable period of doubt, the desperate and doomed backpedaling of regret; and only later, once emotions have receded, is one able to view with equanimity the journey through which one has passed.”

“Di solito in queste situazioni c'è un momento di passione durante il quale viene detto l'mpensabile; segue un senso di euforia dato del sentirsi finalmente liberi, il mondo appare fresco, come visto per la prima volta; poi arriva l'inevitabile periodo di dubbio, la disperata e tragica retromarcia del rimpianto; e solo in seguito, una volta che le emozioni si sono acquietate, si è in grado di guardare con obiettività al percorso compiuto.”

The original version better connotes the effectivness of emotions on Changez's rationality. On the other side the Italian version focuses more on the complexity of such feelings: the presence of more articulated clauses conveys such message. As an example “finally being liberated” is translated into “dato dal sentirsi finalmente liberi”. The original version explicates the passive role of Changez in front of love which is the one who acts and liberates him. The Italian translation consists of a complex clause where the complex nature of the feeling is better expressed: once emotions are receded you actually feel (“sentirsi”) free in a way that goes beyond the mere physical freedom the original version suggests.

Reason for choice

The quotation refers to the theme of love and to the topic of two different gender meeting. Moreover it summarizes Changez's relationship with Erica.

Analysis

The quotation consists of a summary and a synthesis of Changez's love affair with Erica. Reading between the lines it could be interpreted as his relationship with America as well. As Changez fell in love with Erica and then saw his relationship fall apart so happened with America: he initially wanted to “live his dream” and praised America and then regretted it. Changez awareness comes only “after emotions have receded”.

Possible conclusion

Changez knows he was corrupted by emotions during his permanence in America: he now knows he was not able to look at his condition with “equanimity”.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“It seemed to me then - and to be honest, sir, seems to me still - that America was engaged only in posturing.”

“Mi sembrava - ad essere onesto, signore, mi sembrava ancora-che gli Stati Uniti non facessero altro che atteggiare una posa.”

The meaning of the two quotations is the same. However the comparative analysis allows the reader to better comprehend the different characteristics of each language.

The importance of the verb in the Italian language is conveyed by the first line: while the original version needs an entire sentence to express the concept “It seemed to me then” the Italian version only needs the verb “Mi sembrava”. On the other hand the English language usually uses a nominal style and less complex sentences. The last line is an example: the original version uses “posturing” which needs to be translated in an entire clause “atteggiare una posa”. The original version can use a specific word which does not exist in Italian.

Reason for choice

The quotations deals with the topic of two different cultures meeting (the Pakistani Changez and the American/America).

Analysis

Changez brings to surface America's interest for appearance instead of essence. He says America to act and to be always “posturing” in order to better appear to other countries and to his own citizens. His choice “to be honest” is relevant because he is actually talking to an American, a representation of such untrue society.

Possible conclusion

Changez is criticizing America. Its interaction with other countries is characterized by the privilege of visual aspect. The true essence is subdued by appearance.

Quotation (original version)

Quotation (Italian translation)

Comparative analysis

“As a society, you were unwilling to reflect upon the shared pain that united you with those who attacked you. You retreated into myths of your own difference, assumptions of your own superiority.”

“In quanto società, non eravate affatto disposti a riflette sul dolore condiviso che vi univa a coloro che vi avevano attaccato. Vi trinceravate nel mito della vostra differenza, nella presunzione della vostra superiorità.”

The original version provides a better connotation of American condition. In fact the presence of the plural nouns “myths” and “difference” increases the connotation. In the Italian version such words are translated into the singular nouns “mito” and “presunzione”. Moreover the meaning of “assumption” is slightly different from the meaning of “presumption”: the first necessitates a true conviction while the second recalls more to an arrogant ostentation of something that is not truly believed. However both questions bring to surface American ignorance and aggression towards other countries.

Reason for choice

The quotation deals with the topic of fundamentalism (politic and economic/financial) and is related to the topic of two different cultures meting

Analysis

The quotation consists of a strong judgment towards the American society. Changez is fully aware of the evil nature of such society which bases his actions on mere “assumptions” and “myths”. Changez provably refers to the myth of the so called “golden age” of America, when the USA had their maximum power. The only thing America cares of is his own condition, not considering others “pain”.

Possible conclusion

Changez has drastically changed his opinion towards America: once considered as the place where one could enjoy his “dream” it is now a source of “pain”.