It is highly important to understand languages and the
influence they have in our texts and perception of culture via literature from
them. After reading and discussing in groups articles focused on translation in
literature from different cultures, many of the sources presented a positive response
or call for more translations and the importance they have for not only the
reader but the origin of the text. I support the many of these concepts as I they
are following the ideology of globalization through means of communication to
better comprehend the culture of its origin.
This is highly important, although it brings into question
the authenticity of a translation how it compares to the original text, this is
exempt in the case of an author directly translating unless the language doesn’t
provide an expression for the author’s intent. This is where compromise or an
external source for translation adjusts the text and for some literary scholars
or purists this taints the authenticity.
In Many Regards the true meaning of a text is subject to
bias and individual perception, this is why translators walk a fine line when
translating. It can be a catch 22 as they will never satisfy all audiences, as
everyone has their own tastes and opinions. Meaning there will always be ones
whom disagree with the translator’s interpretation however unless this is a majority
it should be ignored as translator should have a margin of adjustment from
direct literal translation in order to better represent the piece in question.
One aspect of translated texts which should never be over
looked is the context in which the author wrote, including their history, life,
relations, personality, home, country and events which took place during the
time of the text writing. This is highly important as it gives the best insight
into the text and give better comprehension for the origins of specific characters
or events within the text. Without an understanding of the context of which the
piece was created with no amount of translation would anyone be capable of
understanding the intention of the author which is a key attribute of reading a
text.
