--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The practice of translation rests on two…" description: "\"The practice of translation rests on two presuppositions. The first is that we are all different: we speak different tongues, and see the world in ways..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/087/david-bellos-73830_broads_the-practice-of-translation-rests-on-two_3013055.png" --- # The practice of translation rests on two presuppositions… ![“The practice of translation rests on two presuppositions. The first is that we are all different: we speak different tongues, and see the world in ways that are deeply influenced by the particular features of the tongue that we speak. The second is that we are all the same - that we can share the…” quote by David Bellos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/087/david-bellos-73830_broads_the-practice-of-translation-rests-on-two_3013055.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/087/david-bellos-73830_broads_the-practice-of-translation-rests-on-two_3013055.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/087/david-bellos-73830_broads_the-practice-of-translation-rests-on-two_3013055.png) > “The practice of translation rests on two presuppositions. The first is that we are all different: we speak different tongues, and see the world in ways that are deeply influenced by the particular features of the tongue that we speak. The second is that we are all the same - that we can share the same broad and narrow kinds of feelings, information, understandings, and so forth. Without both of these suppositions, translation could not exist. Nor could anything we would like to call social life. Translation is another name for the human condition.” David Bellos ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Translation hinges on recognizing linguistic differences while affirming shared human experience, enabling communication and social cohesion. **In simple terms:** Understanding language diversity and common humanity makes translation possible. Key Takeaway Embrace both difference and commonality. Themes communication cultural exchange human connection language translation theory Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical educational cultural When to use this quote - international business - diplomacy - literary translation - media localization Key Concepts linguistic relativity shared emotions social interaction Questions to Reflect On - What balances preserve nuance while ensuring clarity? - How does translation shape cultural identity? A Different Perspective Translation can oversimplify or erase nuanced cultural meanings. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Human condition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-condition/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practice/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Social life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-life/) [Translation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translation/) [Translations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translations/) [Understanding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understanding/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [If there were some solitary or feral man, the passions of the soul would be sufficient for him; by them he would be conformed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-aquinas/if-there-were-some-solitary-or-feral-man-the-passions-of-the-soul/) [Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-aquinas/) > [I don't work on poems and essays at once. 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