Note #32
Literature in Translation
Literature traverses both territorial and social landscapes, making it a pivot of intercultural interactions. A different language must not restrict a literary work from gaining recognition, hence the existence of translated literature. Translated literature faces an interesting conundrum in being able to faithfully replicate the original work, and conveying the author's convictions by fulfilling the intended purpose of the text. As such, there are many challenges faced by translators.
Interpretations of translators may not always match the narrative conjured by the author. However, the text "What makes a good translator?" by the British Council stresses on the importance of subjective input by the translator himself. According to the text, a translated piece of literature must attempt to capture the literal meaning of the original text, but also preserve the essence of the text, which may not always be possible to achieve through clinical, methodical translation. To preserve a work's literal, as well as rhythmic quality, word-to-word translations may not always adequately capture the intrinsic quality of the original work. Furthermore, allusions to cultural aspects may be lost to readers, as well as references to in-group markers. Despite this shortcoming, it is important to study translated works to gain a better insight into the historical, cultural, and social context that the work was produced under. Differences in language stemming due to peripheral variations have corresponding effects on the formal structure and genre of the text, as well as the influence of context on the content. A deeper understanding of these features would expose readers to different cultural mindsets and how the attitudes expressed in the text are representative of the respective society as a whole.
Hence, the study of translated literature is conducive to a broadened perspective that bridges the social divide between different communities.
Literature in Translation
Literature traverses both territorial and social landscapes, making it a pivot of intercultural interactions. A different language must not restrict a literary work from gaining recognition, hence the existence of translated literature. Translated literature faces an interesting conundrum in being able to faithfully replicate the original work, and conveying the author's convictions by fulfilling the intended purpose of the text. As such, there are many challenges faced by translators.
Interpretations of translators may not always match the narrative conjured by the author. However, the text "What makes a good translator?" by the British Council stresses on the importance of subjective input by the translator himself. According to the text, a translated piece of literature must attempt to capture the literal meaning of the original text, but also preserve the essence of the text, which may not always be possible to achieve through clinical, methodical translation. To preserve a work's literal, as well as rhythmic quality, word-to-word translations may not always adequately capture the intrinsic quality of the original work. Furthermore, allusions to cultural aspects may be lost to readers, as well as references to in-group markers. Despite this shortcoming, it is important to study translated works to gain a better insight into the historical, cultural, and social context that the work was produced under. Differences in language stemming due to peripheral variations have corresponding effects on the formal structure and genre of the text, as well as the influence of context on the content. A deeper understanding of these features would expose readers to different cultural mindsets and how the attitudes expressed in the text are representative of the respective society as a whole.
Hence, the study of translated literature is conducive to a broadened perspective that bridges the social divide between different communities.
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