Often times, the translation of specific types of content requires a specialized approach. And one of those types is literary translations. There are various challenges and rewards to translating literature from different cultures, and that’s what today’s blog post explores.
Literary translation revolves around translating creative prose into various languages. Although it can include the translation of modern fiction into new dialects, the majority of literary works are based on ancient languages.
Why Translating Literature from Different Cultures can be Challenging
Translating literature from different cultures is a tricky process since the aim here is to communicate the poetic function. Since each work of literature features a different way in which the artistic image has been embedded, it can be challenging to translate it.
Literature contains special features within the text, and the text must match the meaning, characters, and emotions of the work of art. This is why there are special rules involved in translating literature. Literary translators must carefully select which text pieces to preserve and which to let go of.
Translating Cultural Terms
Many experts agree that language is based on culture and individuality. This is why a literary translator deeply examines cultural terms in the translation process. Writers often refer to objects, culture, habits, and other cultural and material elements that influence the shape and development of literary texts. Translating these concepts into a new language whilst maintaining the intended meaning can be challenging as translating literary text is an active work of cultural translation.
Translating the cultural context of the source language requires more than a semantic translation approach. In cases like these, it is often best to use a communicative translation method in order to successfully bridge linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The Benefits of Literary Translation
Translating Literature from Different Cultures Promotes Shared Values
Literature is a great showcase of culture. Translating these works enables a broader audience to understand the finer details of a foreign culture. Since a vast amount of literature also revolves around human rights issues, common humanity, and environmental concerns, it’s of critical importance to translate these messages so they can have a deeper impact on the global population. The translation of literature makes an artist’s work available in multiple languages. Therefore, it’s an effective way to promote shared values among different cultural and ethnic groups while also highlighting and celebrating cultural differences.
Literal Translation Enriches the Target Language
When you translate a piece of literature into a new language, it can add great value and enrich that language. New terms and ideas are added to the language when cultural concepts are translated. Thus, it can also have a profound impact on the foreign culture. Readers experience new norms and cultures through literature as it opens up opportunities to see other languages’ viewpoints.
Literal Translations Renew Literature in the Target Culture
Translating books into multiple languages revitalizes and regenerates literature. The more translated literature we have access to, the more we can experiment with the literature within our native language.
Translating Literary Texts Serves as a Teaching Tool
There’s more to translation than merely converting one language to another. Especially when it comes to literary translation. When translating literature from different cultures, we create opportunities for people to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of language. And since it helps enhance spoken and written communication skills, it serves as a teaching tool as well.
Literary Translation Creates Market Opportunities
There are huge markets being discovered in the world of literature, and literary translation promotes this even further. When the literature from ancient and unexplored regions is translated, the world develops a better understanding of the region and its culture.
Final Thoughts
There might be many challenges involved in translating literature from different cultures, but this creative area of translation is fascinating. A book or poem that is translated can attract readers from different parts of the world that might have always wanted to explore literature but never had the opportunity to do so within their native language literary works.
At Day Translations, we work hard to preserve the original expression of literature. Our team of experts has a clear understanding of the cultural nuances of language. We have teams all across the globe, which helps us ensure that the content always appeals to the target market to help strike a chord with local communities.