Translation and Culture: A journey through languages and meanings
Translation and Culture: A journey through languages. Translating is much more than a simple conversion of words from one language into another one, it is a bridge between cultures. Every language reflects people’s history, values, and experiences so translation requires a deep understanding of these cultural nuances. In this article, we will analyze how culture has an influence on translation and why it is crucial for translators to be aware of these aspects.
Cultural Context
Translation and Culture: A journey through languages and meanings. When translating, we do not only convert words and sentences. It is essential to take into consideration the cultural context to which the original text belongs. For instance, idiomatic expressions, sayings, and jokes do not often have an equivalent in another language.
Cultural references
Translators often have to do with cultural references which can be unknown to the target readers. For instance, a novel mentioning famous traditional dishes or local festivals could confuse if it is not contextualized properly. A good translator does not only translate words but he/she also tries to keep the cultural essence of the text by adding footnotes, or by adapting references to make them more understandable.
Sensibility and adaptation
Cultural sensibility is crucial to translating. For example, a text facing delicate themes, such as religion, politics, or gender identity needs special attention. It is fundamental to translate by respecting each cultural sensibility, avoiding misunderstandings or involuntary offences.
Translation and Identity
Translating plays a key role in creating and spreading cultural identity. Translated works by authors, such as Gabriel García Márquez or Haruki Murakami let readers from all over the world understand different cultures. However, every translation is an interpretation too. The translator becomes a kind of cultural mediator, by influencing the perception of the original text.
Conclusion
In conclusion, translating is an art intrinsically bound to culture. Translators have to be both experienced linguists and careful observers of cultural dynamics. Only in this way can translators ensure that the original message will be conveyed in its entirety by letting readers sink into new experiences and understand different worlds. Therefore, translating is not only a linguistic process but it is also a celebration of cultural diversity.
