I've translated a lot of American literature into…
“I've translated a lot of American literature into Japanese, and I think that what makes a good translator is, above all, a feel for language and also a great affection for the work you're translating. If one of those elements is missing the translation won't be worth much.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A translator must deeply feel language and love the original work; lacking either makes the translation poor.
In simple terms: Feel language and love the work.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate language intuition and affection.
Themes
translation
language
affection
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- literary translation
- publishing
- language education
Key Concepts
cultural nuance
interpretation
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize fidelity or fluidity?
- How does affection shape translation choices?
A Different Perspective
A literal focus can miss cultural context.