The Unseen Art: Translators Battling for Recognition

Championing Translator Visibility and Copyright Protection - The Journey of Idiomatic Translations

At Idiomatic Translations, we firmly believe that translation is an art, and our 30 years of experience in the industry have shown that translators deserve recognition rather than being treated as an afterthought, just like any accomplished author.

Throughout our extensive tenure, we've observed translators being overlooked in the artistic and literary process. However, we've always asserted that translators possess the power to change everything with the flick of a pen. Countless myths have been born, societies formed, and cities razed due to seemingly insignificant translation errors. One such story involves an alleged translation mistake that purportedly influenced the US decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. There are also instances of speculation about life on Mars triggered by a mistranslation by an Italian astronomer.

Within the literary world, Constance Garnett's translations of Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Tolstoy, and Gagol, as well as Helen Lowe-Porter's translations of Thomas Mann, have faced rigorous scrutiny. Nevertheless, there are numerous examples where we have gained immensely through translation. For instance, the rich history of the sonnet form in English owes its existence to early translations from Petrarch. Similarly, hundreds of expressions in English stem from the King James Version of the Bible.

Recently, the spotlight shone on the work of translators when Yilin Wang revealed that her translations of Qiu Jin's work for an exhibition at a renowned institution received no credit or reimbursement. The subsequent response, citing an "unintentional human error," rang hollow for Wang. As a translator, poet, and editor, she demanded transparency on the institution's protocol for copyright permissions and the reasons for the oversight.

Wang's experience resonates with many translators who often face erasure in publishing and academia. Their names are often absent from book covers and forgotten by book reviewers. This lack of recognition is a disservice not only to the translators but also to the readers who should know the individuals responsible for shaping their reading experience.

In the battle for recognition, even the Booker-winning translator Jennifer Croft has taken a stand, vowing not to translate any more books unless her name appears on the cover. The campaign to include translator names on book covers has yielded some success, but there remains a long road ahead.

Translators bring a unique set of skills to the task, beyond those of other writers. They need to delve into the poet's world, the era they lived in, and the literary forms they employed. The endeavor of translating classic Chinese poetry, with its cultural idioms, archaic diction, and distinct grammar, into English is an art that demands meticulous research and creative expression.

Incidents like the one involving Yilin Wang highlight the ongoing issue of translators being sidelined, treated as an afterthought, and their work removed without due acknowledgment. We firmly believe that translators, like any authors, deserve copyright protection, royalties, and proper credit and remuneration.

At Idiomatic Translations, we advocate for translator visibility, as understanding the human effort behind a translated text is crucial. AI-driven translations often misrepresent the complexities of language, as languages don't fit into simple one-to-one equivalences. A skilled translator crafts texts that resonate with readers, akin to creating poetry, where the beauty lies in the intricacies of language itself.

Translators play a vital role in building bridges between nations and cultures, yet their work is undervalued and often goes unnoticed. A well-executed translation allows the reader to forget that it is a translation at all, making the translator's work, by its very nature, invisible.

For three decades, Idiomatic Translations has been championing the art of translation and the rightful recognition of our talented team. Our commitment to excellence and dedication to conveying the true spirit of each work ensures that our clients' messages reach a global audience with clarity and authenticity.

FAQ

• Why is translation considered an art? 

Translation is considered an art because it involves the creative process of accurately conveying the essence and meaning of a source text into a different language. Translators must navigate cultural nuances, historical contexts, and literary styles to craft a work that resonates with readers while staying true to the original author's intent.

• How does translation impact historical events and cultural perceptions? 

Translation has the power to influence historical events and shape cultural perceptions. Seemingly insignificant translation errors have been known to lead to misunderstandings, myths, and even significant decisions, such as the alleged influence on the US decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

• What challenges do translators face in gaining recognition for their work? 

Translators often face challenges in gaining recognition, such as being omitted from book covers, lacking credit in reviews, and experiencing copyright and remuneration issues. The industry must address these issues to acknowledge the significant contributions of translators.

• How does Idiomatic Translations advocate for translator visibility and recognition?

 Idiomatic Translations has been at the forefront of advocating for translator visibility for over three decades. They firmly believe in protecting translators' rights and ensuring proper credit and remuneration for their work. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to preserving the spirit of each work allows clients' messages to reach a global audience authentically.

• What distinguishes human translation from AI-driven translations? 

Human translation brings unique skills and cultural understanding, delving into the intricacies of language, idioms, and historical context. In contrast, AI-driven translations often lack the depth and creativity required for a nuanced and resonating translation.

• How do translators build bridges between nations and cultures? 

Translators play a crucial role in bridging gaps between nations and cultures by facilitating cross-cultural communication. Their work enables readers to access literature and ideas from diverse backgrounds, fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

• What is the significance of including translator names on book covers? 

Including translator names on book covers is essential as it provides proper recognition for their contributions. It allows readers to understand the individuals responsible for shaping their reading experience and highlights the translator's role in bringing foreign literature to a global audience.

• Who pays for the translation, and what are the ownership issues? 

The payment for translation depends on various factors, such as the scope and complexity of the project, the reputation and experience of the translator, and the agreements made between the translator and the client or publisher. Ownership issues can arise when it comes to translated works, particularly in terms of copyright and intellectual property rights. It is essential for translators to have clear contractual agreements with clients regarding ownership and usage rights to avoid potential disputes and ensure fair compensation for their work. At Idiomatic Translations, we prioritize transparency and advocate for copyright protection and proper remuneration for translators to address ownership concerns.