Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation a myth

An Instance: Lost in Translation The Movie Director [in Japanese, to the interpreter]: The translation is very important, O.K.? The translation. Translator [in Japanese, to the director]: Yes, of course. I understand. Director [in Japanese, to Bob]: Mr. Bob. You are sitting quietly in your study. And then there is a bottle of Suntory whisky on top of the table. You understand, right? With wholehearted feeling, slowly, look at the camera, tenderly, and as if you are meeting old friends, say the words. As if you are Bogie in Casablanca, saying, "Here's looking at you, kid,"Suntory time! Translator [In English, to Bob]: He wants you to turn, look in camera. O.K.? Bob: ...Is that all he said?

What is the real loss?

The expressions, emotions & effects. Expressions The reader will be unable to reflect upon the message of the work. Emotions Lack of emotional reactions. Effects Lack of psychological effects.

What can be lost in translation Some examples:

Thou shall not covet. Ke-Kou-Ke-La (female horse stuffed with wax) If You Leave Me, I Delete You (Italy) Jungle Died Laughing (Israel) The gun Died Laughing(Israel) Thou shall not take. Ko-Kou-Ko-Le (happiness in the mouth) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind George of the Jungle

The Naked Gun

The Codes of Translation

Responsibility Fidelity Sound knowledge of both languages General & Cultural awareness

Responsibility
A translation shall always be made on the sole responsibility of the translator. The translator must not let any contracts or any other influences get in his/her way. He/ She must feel responsible towards the reader.

Fidelity
A translator must be morally and legally obliged. A translation must be successful in rendering the idea and form of the original. A translator must be faithful to the cultural and linguistic nuances of both the SL & TL.

Sound Knowledge of Languages

A translator must be proficient in the source language as well as the target language. He / she must not be careless when dealing with the lexical or syntactical structures. The consistency of sense and meaning must be maintained.

General Awareness and Cultural gap

Translator must have a broad general knowledge. Must know sufficiently the subject matter of translation. Must not attempt to translate something beyond his/her competence. The cultural gap must be filled in with adequate language resources.

Still Lost?
Polysemic feature of language leaves room for misunderstanding. Essential habit of communication and human nature. What is lost may sometimes lead to innovative and aesthetic success.

Nothing is Lost
Only through translation that we can realize the rich facets innate in a language and culture. Through translation we can compare and exchange values, adapt and acquire new ideas. Through translation we can expand our boundaries.

 There can never be an absolutely final translation. Robert McQueen Grant

Thank You