Author(s): Dr. Jamirul Islam

Abstract: Cinematic adaptations of literary works, while a staple in film studies, are rarely approached from the perspective of inter-semiotic translation. This paper seeks to explore the translation of emotion from the novels of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay to Satyajit Ray’s cinematic adaptations, particularly within the Apu Trilogy (1955-1959). Applying Roman Jakobson’s theory of inter-semiotic translation, this study investigates the transmutation of emotional content from written words to the visual medium. Emphasis is placed on the character of Apu, exploring how Ray translates his emotional depth. The paper also addresses the challenges inherent in this process and contributes to the expanding body of research on the intersection of translation studies, film adaptation, and semiotics. By incorporating semiotic analysis and psychoanalytic theories, this paper demonstrates how emotions are conveyed through semiotic systems in both literature and film.

Keywords: Inter-semiotic translation, emotion, Satyajit Ray, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Apu Trilogy, film adaptation, semiotics, psychoanalysis, translation theory.

Article Info: Received: 25 Jan 2025; Received in revised form: 28 Feb 2025; Accepted: 02 Mar 2025; Available online:08 Mar 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.102.4