Lost in Translation
Written by Suri Zhang
The Chinese phrase “眉开眼笑” or “méi kāi yǎn xiào” has no direct English translation that fully captures its meaning. Literally, it translates to “brows raised, eyes smiling”, but the feeling it conveys takes a bit more explanation. It’s similar to smiling brightly or beaming, but even that fails to show the joy that entirely lights up the person. It’s also hard to say what things mean exactly as people’s perceptions of emotions and culture differ.
Keeping in mind these complexities, I think of the role of translators in novels---of how they make their work sound smooth while also staying true to the larger emotions and meaning of the original story. No two translators are the same, which is why there can be so many different versions of a translated text. Some prefer to stick to the words on the page, while others find it more important to convey the feelings represented by those words. Translators also have to interpret the subtle nuances and implications of an author in a way that is relatable in the language of the target audience.
Whenever I read a work of translated fiction, I wonder how much of my like/dislike of it has to do with the translation. Many times, I’ve wondered if a clunky part of a story was the result of the author or the translator. I find that when an entire work reads awkwardly, I’m more likely to assume it’s a problem with the translation. I could be very wrong, but it’s an easy assumption to make knowing how hard it is to balance all the elements of translating a piece of work.
On the flip side, Banana Yoshimoto, an author whose work I adore, is an example of how translations can actually elevate a story. To me and many others who read her works in English, Yoshimoto’s prose is refreshing in its bluntness. Her writing is raw and direct in its display of the human condition. So it was quite surprising to hear that to some Japanese readers, her writing is very basic. It makes sense, given that they would have much more exposure to this writing style than American readers, but it goes to show how translations can bring something very unique.
Whether you find yourself looking for linguistic accuracy or something more truthful to the feeling and rhythm of a book, translated fiction is a great way to expand your taste in literature!
