Texts in Translation

     In an ever-increasing global world comes the challenges of translation. The days have past of only being able to enjoy texts in only one’s own language, as thanks to the hard work of translators. Fiction literature provides a window into the lives of other people, as it brings upon understanding and emotional intelligence for the norms of different cultures. There as, by translating a wide variety of fictional literature, it allows for increased empathy for the world around. As to stop and think, many classic texts in the English-language are the result of translation, such as The Little Prince. Despite the new worlds that translated texts provide to readers, it is important to preserve the authenticity of the original text. This cross-plays with the Part 3 outcome “Understand the attitudes and values expressed by literary texts and their impact on readers”as not only is the goal of translation to provide an understandable version of the text to readers, but as well to provide the text in the same purpose and meaning as the author had intended. 

     Such may seem easier said than done, as each language is anchored in their distinct vocabularies, which are sometimes even impossible to translate. Too often, translated texts take so called ‘living’ and ‘fresh’ original text and turn it into something ‘dull’, due to the inability to mirror the meaning of the text in the other language. There as, translation is seen as a creative act, as it involves interpretation and making choices as to decide on what elements of the original text are to be preserved and sacrificed. Translating is as well seen as impossible, due to each language being so different and cultural difference, which disallow for ‘perfect’ English-language translations. 

     With the overall challenges of translating fictional literature, translating poetry can be stated as a greater challenge. The translator is left to replicate the style and ‘beauty’ of the original poem, as well as exact connotations. 

     The Part 3 learning outcome “Consider the changing historical, cultural and social contexts in which particular texts are written and received” can as well be examined through the rise in Arabic-language novels. Arab writers have historically shared their stories through poetry, however with a phenomenal shift to novels as to express feelings of love, enemies, revolutions and work. This new form of storytelling for Arab writers has become increasingly popular amongst English-readers, due to the result of the global selection of texts today’s readers are presented with.