Translating is a unique art form in that it does not require the formation of original materials, as writing or painting do; however, it is possible that for the same reason the process of translating is an even more delicate type of creation. Not only must the translator be intently focused on capturing the meaning and spirit of the original text, as well as any messages that the author may have conveyed indirectly, but he or she must then imbue this faithful rendition of the original with a new spirit which makes it accessible to a completely different culture and a reader with a very different perspective, background, and thought processes.
Bea Basso, an Italian/English translator who was interviewed by NPR several years ago, commented on the process of vocabulary use in a way that gives it a sort of choose-your-own-adventure mystique: "There is no such thing as a literal translation, by nature of choosing one word or another, you influence the next step." While this is true, a finished translation involves much more than changing words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs from one language to another. Tone, context, punctuation rules and standards, norms for abbreviation usage, target audience, customs, traditions and so much more all become integral aspects of a phenomenal translation. Basso noted this as well: "All of a sudden I was a translator of gestures, traditions, customs, ways of behaving even — how many kisses do you give to people when you enter a room."
Read NPR's interview here.
