Here’s our takeaway from the workshop by Mini Krishnan, consultant, Publishing (Oxford University Press)
Literal translation
This can be the translator’s first draft. However, it has to be polished to improve the language. Translating literally ensures that everything is carried through. But, if one wants to sell the work and make it appealing to readers, the language has to be smart.
As transcreation
At the heart of all translation is failure. The exact meaning of even ordinary conversations and thoughts are difficult to convey. Transcreation comes into play when a translator wants to convey stories, artefacts, norms, values, rituals, and such aspects of one culture to another. The key question that comes forth with respect to this is: ‘Can one add to translation? If so, when?’
As a revolt against grammar
Participants read a passage from Imayam’s Beasts of Burden , translated from Tamil by Lakshmi Holmstrom. It was a telling example of how certain writers choose to write as they speak, and the translator sometimes sticks to the format to convey the soul of the original.
As cultural manipulation
TheBible was used as an example to explain how translators took the liberty to ‘transcreate’ based on the language, culture, and emotional connect of their readers. For instance, TheBible’s version in certain nations may have altered renditions of certain portions, keeping in mind what is acceptable amidst the audience it was translated for.
As conflict/danger
Translation is about transfer of power; the shift of weight of great conflict from one language to another. It may take years to translate a work, and translators face a great danger in going missing in the larger context.
