Book Quote by Anthea Bell
““You don’t want to lose the foreign feel of a book entirely, but for me the prime requisite is to get it sounding good in English. If it sounds clumsy, readers will pounce on it of course.””
About This Quote
Source translation: Book translation notes, English edition
The goal is to preserve a book’s foreign feel while ensuring smooth English, acknowledging that clumsy translation invites criticism.
In simple terms: Balance foreign charm with clear English.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize readability without losing essence.
Themes
translation
literature
authenticity
readability
criticism
Mood
analytical
concerned
pragmatic
Type
Book:1
Books:1
Feel Book:0
Good English:1
Clumsy Readers:0
Sounds Clumsy:0
Readers Pounce:0
When to use this quote
- publishing
- academic study
- reader experience
Key Concepts
linguistics
cultural adaptation
editing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to preserve foreign elements?
- What compromises are acceptable in translation?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on fluency may erase cultural nuance.
![“They go in [to the library] not because they need any certain volume but because they feel that there may be some book that needs them.” quote by Christopher Morley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8dd/christopher-morley-2772_book_they-go-in-to-the-library-not-because-th_1848086.jpg)
