Buzz
Literary translation stands as a profound art form, encompassing the interpretation and transference of creative expressions such as novels, short stories, poetry, theatrical pieces, comic strips, and screenplay from one linguistic and cultural context to another. It extends its domain to encompass intellectual and scholarly works like psychology publications, philosophical and physics treatises, art and literary critiques, as well as classical and ancient literary compositions. Devoid of literary translation, the panorama of human thought and artistic expression would be bereft of the essence of towering intellects and seminal works, spanning from The Bible and Don Quixote to the works of Freud and Einstein, Naguib Mahfouz, and Orhan Pamuk. If delving into the realms of literary translation and academia intrigues you, embarking on the journey of mastering this craft can be profoundly enriching.
Guidelines
Cultivate a deep and intimate connection with each of the languages you work with. Translating creative works demands the ability to delve beneath the surface. You must possess a genuine passion for reading within the genres you translate and be intimately acquainted with both the authors and the intricacies of language, culture, ideology, and intent.
- For instance, if you are translating prose poetry from Dutch into English, immersing yourself in a wide array of published (and unpublished) prose poems, both in Dutch and English, becomes imperative. This immersion facilitates the understanding of styles, subtleties, contexts, and the essence of prose poetry, enabling the deconstruction of Dutch and the reconstruction of English.
- It is essential to stay abreast of linguistic evolution. Language is a dynamic entity, in constant flux. Dialects evolve, semantics shift, new words emerge, while old ones fade into obscurity.
Hone your writing prowess in your native language. The majority of literary translators, with few exceptions, translate exclusively into their mother tongue—the language in which they are most proficient and articulate. To translate a novel, one must be capable of writing a novel; to translate a play, mastery of playwriting is essential. The path to achieving this proficiency lies in constant practice and refinement of one's writing skills in the native tongue. Most accomplished translators are also published authors.
- An exception to this norm was Leah Goldberg (1911 - 1970) of Israel. Despite being raised and educated in Europe, she translated solely into Modern Hebrew, her third language, from six other languages. Goldberg, however, embraced Hebrew as her primary mode of expression and was a prolific writer exclusively in Hebrew.
Pursue education. Academic institutions worldwide serve as robust sources and advocates for literary and academic translation. Consider pursuing at least one degree in comparative literature, linguistics, languages, or translation to gain a solid foundation. Many creative writing programs specifically offer courses in literary translation. Academic training also provides access to literary discussions, mentorship opportunities with translating professors, and extensive library resources.
- If formal academia isn't feasible, self-education through books is a viable alternative. Explore local bookstores and libraries for published works on the subject and immerse yourself in reading. (Refer to Tips below for further guidance.)
Delve into writer and work research. A writer's creation is an extension of their identity. To effectively interpret the text, understanding the creator is imperative. Ask questions such as: When and where was the piece written? What influenced the writer? Are there intertextual references? What other works has the writer produced? And so forth.
Understand the risks of translation. Translating certain works can carry significant risks for both the writer and translator, potentially leading to dire consequences based on the content. Throughout history, translated texts have incited revolutions and conflicts. Tailor your translation with consideration for your audience.
Acknowledge the imperfection of translation. The moment you commence translating, the original essence begins to shift. Your task is not to find direct equivalents but rather to reconstruct the text as if originally penned in the target language. While nuances may be lost, embrace this process. Footnotes or endnotes can aid in preserving cultural contexts and historical references. Who is your intended audience?
- Review each translated segment individually before the final comprehensive assessment. You may discover better expressions or wording within the same language to convey the intended meaning. Avoid excessive alterations but strive for enhancements where possible.
Secure a publisher. Literary translations are predominantly commissioned through publishing firms. Approach publishers with comprehensive research, writing/translation samples, and negotiation skills.
- Some countries provide grants through governmental arts and cultural agencies specifically for literary translation projects. Explore available opportunities and assess your options carefully.
Join a professional translation association. Whether you reside in Canada, Chile, Cameroon, or China, there exist professional associations catering to translators, including those specialized in literary translation. Membership in such organizations is crucial for fostering professionalism, facilitating networking opportunities, and gaining access to professional development programs and translation awards.
Maintain consistent practice. Dedicate at least fifteen minutes daily to translation in a comfortable environment. Improvement comes through diligent effort and adhering to a regular schedule. Over time, you'll be astonished by the volume of work you've accomplished.
Pointers
- Always have essential translation tools at hand. A thesaurus is indispensable, followed by a dictionary (and writing utensils if handwritten translation is preferred).
- When translating, consider specialized terminology suited to the context. For instance, in literary translation, use terms specific to literature rather than general or everyday vocabulary.
- Here's a curated list of literary translation resources to kickstart your journey:
- The Translation Studies Reader, Lawrence Venuti
- Why Translation Matters, Edith Grossman
- On Translation, Paul Ricoeur
- Experiences in Translation, Umberto Eco
- Le Ton beau de Marot: In Praise of the Music of Language, Douglas R. Hofstadter
- Translators on translating: Inside the invisible art, Andrew Wilson
- A History of Reading, Alberto Manguel
Essentials
- Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias in each of your languages
- Notebooks and notepads
- Computer or electronic device
- An abundance of reading and educational materials
