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Every language is built on a mountain of cultural context and assumptions. That's the part which is impossible to translate. You can translate the words but you
by TillE 2y ago
Every language is built on a mountain of cultural context and assumptions. That's the part which is impossible to translate. You can translate the words but you're missing layers upon layers of subtle meaning.
- hbn 2y agoPerhaps I'm just taking the word "untranslatable" more literally than some, but I think if you can explain the surrounding cultural context, you've translated it. Different scenarios require different methods of translation, sometimes you'll want something literal, and sometimes you can just translate the intent behind the words. As long as you can do that, I would consider it "translatable".
- smallnamespace 2y agoA text in the original language would evoke a certain combination of feeling and understanding in the reader. A paragraph footnote might accurately convey the intended meaning but it won't evoke the same feelings. A good author or translator cares about both these things.
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]