Preliminary Finding in the Study of English-Hausa Translations

This article presents interesting early discoveries in the study of English-Hausa translations. They are the preliminary findings deducted from reading both primary and secondary texts, visiting libraries and research centers, and from holding interviews and discussions with translators, experts, and scholars. The paper identifies the aims of the English Hausa translations, examines the texts and background of the translators, and also analyses the reception of the documents by the target audience. These incidental findings include some unidentified English Hausa paratextual translation traditions, the wide range of differences between English source texts and Hausa translations, the unavailability of some important English Hausa translations that are supposed to be in high demand, how assumed Hausa source texts turn out as translations, and the profiles of the English-Hausa translation agencies.