Universe of Discourse in Barks’ Translations of Rumi’s Masnavi

Coleman Barks’ translations of Rumi’s works have played the largest role in Rumi’s popularity, especially among American public audience. Thus, it is very important to study how Rumi’s works are represented in the target language and culture. In this regard, the translator’s approach toward the universe of discourse of a literary work in relation to the universe of discourse of the target audience is an important factor in the representation and reception/rejection of that work in the target community. Therefore, the present research examines how the universe of discourse elements of the Masnavi’s poems are translated and how this has affected the poetic elements. The analysis of Barks’ translation of a poem from the first book of the Masnavi reveals that Barks has either omitted a great portion of universe of discourse elements of the original poem or removed them from their Quranic, Islamic and mystical context. In some cases, he has even changed the universe of discourse completely by conflating the poem with concepts of Taoism. Barks’ approach toward the universe of discourse elements has led to the omission of some poetic elements and the change of content of some others. Barks’ approach can be interpreted in terms of adapting the universe of discourse elements of the original poem to the New Age thinking and the spiritual needs of a wide range of American audience.