Along with my love for reading, I have always found languages and writing to be equally fascinating. My native language is English, but I have spent many years learning and speaking German and am now learning Spanish. I am always interested in learning new words and phrases and along the way, I have researched translation studies in depth. It has opened my eyes to the various choices that translators have to make in order to achieve their goals.
The process of translating a work goes deeper than just the words on the page. It is not enough to literally translate every word in its individuality. Sentence structure, meaning, tone, and ease of reading are also important aspects that a translator must take into account. Being as fluent as possible makes it easier to juggle these pieces, but there are always dialectal differences and language norms that can trip up even the most seasoned translator.
While translation can often be subjective to the translator and their own method, as well as the desires of the person or publisher requesting the translation, most translators seek to create a work that is as close to the original in themes, tone, and meaning as possible. Deborah Smith, the translator of now Nobel Prize winner Han Kang, says in an interview with The Guardian that the age-honorifics and poetic nature of Korean can be difficult to translate in English with the same effect. Similar hiccups can be found when changing between English and German. German has a very strict sentence structure, especially when it comes to verb placement. When there are two verbs in a sentence, the second verb goes at the end of the sentence. German is also renowned for their long words and even longer sentences. In order to create a sentence that flows in English, I often find myself having to shorten the sentences to create clarity.
The versatility of language can also mean that there are a number of words to choose from in any given situation. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a wonderful work full of all kinds of practical examples of translation choices. A choice I found notable was the word kriechen, a verb that means “crawl” but could also be used as “creep.” Susan Bernofksy in a 2014 article from The New Yorker regarding her own translation of The Metamorphosis, points out that kriechen can also indicate groveling or cowering. So which one is the right choice? This is where the translator’s decision can make the biggest difference.
It also raises the question: Is there such a thing as a perfect translation? The answer is along the lines of it depends. It depends on the needs of the reader and what they look for in a novel. It depends on the type of work, the input of the original author if available, and the resources available to the translator. Ultimately, the translator is trusted to put forth their best effort and do the research necessary to make a faithful translation. Perfection is determined by the beholder.
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