If you define "Translation" as [an estimation of a certain text in a new language], where "Language" is [any means of relating texts]; then the real truth of any text is always changed by translation.
The argument that this estimation is never perfectly precise or entirely accurate is, of course, true; and it does seem more likely that the original will be prettier in the end. However, literary translations can bring new truths to light for all, but especially for those who cannot read the original text.
P.S. Notice that translation is itself a language here; as well as reading, writing, thinking, etc.
what is the real truth of a text? is it meaning? benjamin would say that translations are only tangentially translations of meaning...
if you think of translations as an end (as opposed to a means or a form, as benjamin does), then you can speak of a translation's accuracy or "faithfulness" to an original.
p.s. you're the only one who hasn't totally dismissed my entry so far! yes!
The real truth of a text must be defined as its entire (and very complex) meaning in the real world. It is often helpful to speak of subsets of this truth, such as the meaning of a text to a particular audience (be it one or many).
I would say tangential is an accurate description of the relationship between original and translation.
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The argument that this estimation is never perfectly precise or entirely accurate is, of course, true; and it does seem more likely that the original will be prettier in the end. However, literary translations can bring new truths to light for all, but especially for those who cannot read the original text.
P.S. Notice that translation is itself a language here; as well as reading, writing, thinking, etc.
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if you think of translations as an end (as opposed to a means or a form, as benjamin does), then you can speak of a translation's accuracy or "faithfulness" to an original.
p.s. you're the only one who hasn't totally dismissed my entry so far! yes!
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I would say tangential is an accurate description of the relationship between original and translation.
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