Creativity Quote by Edith Grossman
““Intrinsic to the concept of a translator's fidelity to the effect and impact of the original is making the second version of the work as close to the first writer's intention as possible. A good translator's devotion to that goal is unwavering. But what never should be forgotten or overlooked is the obvious fact that what we read in a translation is the translator's writing. The inspiration is the original work, certainly, and thoughtful literary translators approach that work with great deference and respect, but the execution of the book in another language is the task of the translator, and that work should be judged and evaluated on its own terms. Still, most reviewers do not acknowledge the fact of translation except in the most perfunctory way, and a significant majority seem incapable of shedding light on the value of the translation or on how it reflects or illuminates the original.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Translation and the Translator’s Role, 2002
A translation must honor the original’s intent while also standing as an independent literary work, judged on its own merits.
In simple terms: A good translation respects the original but is its own piece.
Key Takeaway
Read translations as separate creations.
Themes
literature
translation
authorship
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
academic
When to use this quote
- publishing reviews
- academic analysis
- literary awards
- cross‑cultural education
Key Concepts
faithfulness
creative interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How should we evaluate a translation?
- What balance between fidelity and creativity is ideal?
A Different Perspective
Readers often overlook the translator’s contribution.
