Texts in Translation

"Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture." – Anthony Burgess

Though the English language is developing into a global language, many literary books are still translated today to spread unique ideas, experiences and cultural implications.

During the process of translation, the translator is deemed to transmit the story in its original state and not conceal the author’s intentions in any way. Dana mentioned: “I find it more offensive that the translator miscommunicated the message/tone of the poem rather than the actual wording.” In case of The Thief and the Dogs, translator Trevor Le Gassick had to be extremely cautious in conveying the political and religious aspects of Cairo in 1961 to successfully mimic Naguib’s personal confrontations with the new regime. The authentic voice of the author should also peek through the translated text to communicate the expressed values and attitudes within in the literary work and achieve the intended impact on the reader.

A text can easily be lost when translated due to the unintended, personal biases of the translator and his/her cultural background. Specific gestures and expressions will always be slightly altered depending on the origin of the author. For instance, Arabic expressions are often understood best when the feeling that comes with them is felt and familiar by the user. To transmit feelings and emotions is a difficult task and therewith the meaning of the text can simply be forfeited.

Nevertheless, translated literature can be a huge benefit to the outside world. Translators are often considered as the forgotten instruments, which make it possible for different cultures to talk to one another and become enriched by the traditions of other parts of the world. Texts in translation make it possible to deepen into exotic traditions and undisclosed experiences.

Regarding the text Found in Translation, Claudia Roth Pierpont provided great insight on the cultural journey of translation. Perhaps in some cases it is more culturally appropriate to revise the content of the text in order to suit its audience. A prominent example is Saudi Arabia’s take on Sex and the City: in order to avoid violation of religious and social implications of Saudi Arabia the content of Sex and the City had to be modified “suggesting that upper-class Saudi girls might wish to escape their luxurious designer cages.”