Any translation which intends to perform a transmitting…
“Any translation which intends to perform a transmitting function cannot transmit anything but information-hence, something inessential. This is the hallmark of bad translations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bad translations focus on transmitting function, losing essential meaning and reducing content to mere information.
In simple terms: Bad translation loses essence.
Prioritize meaning over literalness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literary translation
- technical manuals
- subtitling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance fidelity and readability?
- When is literal translation acceptable?
Literal translation can preserve nuance.