Translation is tough. It is bitter-sweet, like the film whose title we are using for this blog of ours. Why is it sweet? Well, a text gets a new existence in a different language. Why is it bitter? Well, it is by definition imperfect.
Let me give you concrete examples to prove what I have stated. Sure you know the story of the Russian translator who rendered the Biblical "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" as "There is lot of vodka, but not enough meat".
Jokes apart, this particular example proves that translation is often context specific. As a result, it is by definition 'different'. Let me give you a concrete example yet again. How to translate "आरती करणे" or "ओवाळणे" in to English? The very concept does not exist in the target culture. Often hence when translating literature, one has to give either a glossary or an explanation within the text itself.
Yet again an example may help. Look at the family relationships. "Aunt" cannot adequately differentiate between "आत्या", "मावशी", "मामी" and "काकू", right? Personally, I am of the opinion that a literal translation defeats the very purpose of the activity. Such a translation is stilted, artificial, and frankly quite crazy.
Similarly, a very loose translation may not capture the essence of the original. The feel of the original text must not be lost sight of either. Hence I call this tightrope traction tough!
A good translation, as they say , is like a translucent glass. You can see through it the alternative reality encased in a different language. It has to be there, and yet it must not draw attention to itself. A good translator hence is a great 'artist of disappearances'!
Pratima@ A good translator must know the source as well as the target languages and cultures really well. Otherwise, "false friends" may be irritating. Some other time, more of such issues, and, oh, yes, of inter-semiotic translations!
In the meanwhile, Happy Translation Day! Better to wish so now as the AI is encroaching the field, especially its literature of knowledge and information allies!
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