Blog Post - Translation

Translation is defined as “the process of translating words or text from one language into another.” Thus, we can assume that translation between 2 pieces of work, will produce and mean the same thing. However, in the article, it shows that translation will never carry the full sentiment or meaning of the origin text. The context and feeling of the meaning of the language is lost when translating different words and phrases.

Text C explored the nature of translation though professional translators. Daniel Hahn, the Director of the British Centre for Literary Translation, claimed that in translation, everything is changed. (In relation to its meaning) Yes, a language can be translated, but the meaning of the text was significant to the people of that language.

Hahn also said that “there’s not a single word in any of the languages I translate that can map perfectly into English.” Hahn indicates that no language can have the same effect as the language of the original text. As text is translated it becomes something else. The fact that meaning and understanding changes is significant in accepting the boundaries there are when reading different texts.

Fahmida Riaz, an Urdu language translator stated that translation is a creative work of its own. It will never reflect the exact same meaning the author intended, but will allow for a substantial understanding. Acknowledging the fact that there are boundaries when it comes to translations in literature, allows for languages to retain value in their story-telling and their overall nature.