Translation of Hindi Short Stories into French: Cultural and Linguistic Challenges

Rishav Aryan , Mohd Sharif Waseem

Translation is much more than just changing words from one language to another; it plays a key role in linking different cultures and bringing literary worlds together. Recently, more people are showing interest in sharing the beauty of Hindi literature with readers who speak French. However, this process is rarely straightforward. A translator doesn't merely translate sentences; they navigate the underlying cultural nuances and distinctive stylistic elements that give a story its essence. This study looks closely at the challenges by examining the French translations of famous writers such as Munshi Premchand and Bhisham Sahni. The study looks at how translators deal with difficult idioms, expressions that are specific to a culture, and the special structure of Hindi stories through their short stories. It looks at how translators approach their work—whether they adapt a concept for a new audience, borrow a word directly to preserve its original flavor, or substitute a cultural reference to make it more relatable. In the end, the results show that good translation requires careful balance. It needs to remain very true to the original tone while making the story feel real and easy for a French audience to understand. It shows that translators do more than just speak different languages; they play a key role in connecting cultures.

Volume 11 Issue 4, April-2026

Pages : a687-a693