Literary translation, much like the Ship of Theseus paradox, raises questions of identity and change. As translators reshape texts word-for-word, the core narrative's identity is preserved through a painstaking, creative process.
Sophie Hughes, a judge for the International Booker Prize, highlights the vital role of translators. "A translated book is one that has been written twice," she states, emphasizing the thousands of decisions translators make to convey meaning, tone, and cultural nuance. The International Booker Prize recognizes translators as co-authors, awarding them equal acclaim and prize money.
Translation not only grants readers access to global literature, broadening conversations and perspectives, but can also enhance the original work. Samuel Beckett's self-translation of "Sans" into "Lessness" is cited as an example where the English language's malleability improved the original text.
Translators act as passionate advocates and scouts, promoting authors and their works to international audiences. Their "fidelity is our noble purpose," yet they also serve as communicators of enthusiasm and guides for readers seeking diverse stories.
Recent years have seen a significant shift in the perception of translation. Moving from a focus on what is lost, the field now celebrates what is gained and the translator's subjective interpretation. This evolution has led to increased recognition, with more readers embracing translated works as they would original English texts. Sales of translated fiction are on the rise, particularly among younger demographics.
Despite advancements in AI, Hughes is confident that human translators will remain indispensable in literary translation. "We are still a very long way away from machines adequately translating literature from scratch," she predicts. The nuanced human connection and emotional depth sought in literature are best captured by human translators, mirroring the human element sought in writers.