Narcissism lost: on translating and being translated

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Translation Studies
• Literary Studies

Background:

• The process of literary translation involves complex authorial and translational considerations.
• Understanding the interplay between original creation and translated work is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective experiences and challenges encountered in literary translation from both author and translator perspectives.
• To examine how the integrity and creativity of an original work are maintained during the translation process.
• To investigate the translation of specific cultural and linguistic nuances, exemplified by Brazilian Portuguese.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on personal accounts and reflections from authors and translators.
• Analysis of the translation of cultural and linguistic specificities from Brazilian Portuguese.
• Qualitative examination of the author-translator relationship and its impact on the translated output.

Main Results:

• Authors may need to relinquish a degree of possessiveness over their original text for effective reader engagement.
• A strong collaborative relationship between author and translator can ensure the persistence of original creativity in the translation.
• Translators successfully navigate and convey specific cultural and linguistic particularities, such as those found in Brazilian Portuguese.

Conclusions:

• Effective literary translation requires a balance between authorial intent and translational adaptation.
• The translator's role is vital in bridging cultural and linguistic divides while preserving the essence of the original work.
• The emotional and intellectual affect experienced by both the author and translator are integral to the translation journey.