THE COMPLEXITIES OF TRANSLATION: CONNECTING LANGUAGES AND CULTURES
Keywords:
Keywords:Translation, cultural sensitivity, literal translation, contextual translation, machine translation, idiomatic expressions, language barriers, translation scholars, George Steiner, Eugene Nida, Susan Bassnett, cross-cultural communication, linguistic challenges, translation techniques.Abstract
Translation is a complex and essential process in today’s globalized world,
bridging the gap between languages and cultures. It involves much more than a simple
word-for-word conversion; translators must consider cultural nuances, idiomatic
expressions, and the broader context of the text to preserve meaning, tone, and
intention. Drawing on the theories of renowned scholars such as George Steiner,
Eugene Nida, and Susan Bassnett, this article explores the challenges translators face,
from deciding between literal and contextual translation to maintaining cultural
sensitivity. The role of technology, particularly machine translation, is discussed,
highlighting its limitations and the irreplaceable role of human translators in handling
nuanced texts. Ultimately, translation is an art that demands linguistic skill, cultural
awareness, and creativity to ensure effective communication across languages and
cultures.
References
Resources:
1. Steiner, George. After Babel: Aspects of Language and Translation. Oxford
University Press, 1975.
2. Nida, Eugene A. Toward a Science of Translating. Brill, 1964.
3. Bassnett, Susan. Translation Studies. Methuen, 1980.
4. Bellos, David. Is That a Fish in Your Ear?: Translation and the Meaning of
Everything. Faber & Faber, 2011.
5. Berman, Antoine. Translation and the Trials of the Foreign. In The Translation
Studies Reader, ed. Lawrence Venuti, Routledge, 2000.
