All I require of a translator is that he or she be a more…
““All I require of a translator is that he or she be a more gifted writer than I am, and in at least two languages, one of them mine.””
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 be a superior writer in both the source and target languages, especially surpassing the original author’s skill.
In simple terms: Translators need to write better than the original author in both languages.
Key Takeaway
Seek translators who excel in writing and bilingual mastery.
Themes
writing
language
translation
skill
Mood
respectful
thoughtful
Type
advisory
literary
When to use this quote
- publishing
- literary translation
- academic work
- cross‑cultural projects
Key Concepts
bilingualism
literary quality
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess a translator’s writing ability?
- What makes a translation truly faithful?
A Different Perspective
Even great writers may struggle to convey nuance in another language.