Did you ever acknowledge the role creativity plays in translation? To some extent, translation accounts for an act of adaptation. Therefore, it is a creative act. Translators are involved in a continuous process of negotiating between two languages, cultures and mindsets. This process requires a profound comprehension of the two languages.
The creative process of translation and adapting one text to a distinct reality connotes that a translator’s responsibility is both complex and creative.
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Why do translators need to be creative?
Creativity is an irreplaceable element in the compelling translating process. Many a time, a translator will be torn between presenting form in favor of content or the other way around. On that note, creativity is the element that may bring a harmonious balance, making the translating process a form of art. You might already know that some languages embody idioms and expressions that don’t exist in other languages.
Many of those are inspired by cultural cues, which are non-existent in other cultures. In the same respect, translating poetry accounts for an intricate endeavor. A literal translation won’t do. Aspects such as rhyming, rhythm, flow, and imagery ought to be taken into account. To that end, translating into a distinct language while respecting the elements present in the original work can be overwhelming.
There are distinct degrees of creativity. Too much or too little of it could result in unwanted outcomes. In simplest terms, too little creativity may lead to a bland, dry translation. Meanwhile, too much creativity could compromise the accuracy of the original text and, therefore, replace it with the author’s intent. On that note, we could say that a masterful translator should focus on translating the literal meaning of the words, while interpreting the cultural and background context, as well.
The language is a creative tool
It is indisputable that a language is a creative tool, first and foremost. Similar to a way in which an artist utilizes colors, and combines them so that they serve the goal of a project or another, a translator will use language as a mechanism to deliver a message. Since a translator ought to know at least two languages, this aspect stimulates one’s creativity at an entirely different level.
One’s knowledge enriches his/her comprehension. To that end, one can fill in the blank spaces in one language by using information from another language. There are numerous studies that highlight the way in which learning multiple languages stimulate the human brain in a unique way.
Each translator has a personal style
Although the translator ought to deliver an accurate message, he/she is due to instilling a personal mark. That makes sense, considering that each individual approaches a text distinctively. For instance, if one text were to be translated by more than one person, that might lead to more versions of the same translated text. The differences could be significant or insignificant, depending on the case.
Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: translators manifest their creativity with every text they tackle.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, translation is far from being simple. In fact, it is considered by many as being a difficult task, while others undermine its complexity. One thing is for sure, the world has distinct perceptions of translators and their input on a text. They are prone to be lost in the translation.
Nevertheless, this is a profession that incorporates a unique combination of skills, one of them being creativity.