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Creativity Quote by Harold G. Henderson

“An ideal translation should, I believe, reproduce the effect of the original, but I have found that the best any translator can even hope for is to reproduce the effect that the originals have had on him. (Preface, vi)” quote by Harold G. Henderson
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““An ideal translation should, I believe, reproduce the effect of the original, but I have found that the best any translator can even hope for is to reproduce the effect that the originals have had on him. (Preface, vi)””

Harold G. Henderson

About This Quote

Source Preface to "Translation Studies", 1975

A translator can only convey the original’s impact on the translator, not the original itself.

In simple terms: Translation mirrors the translator’s experience.

Key Takeaway

Seek faithful, personal translation.

Themes

translation interpretation subjectivity

Mood

analytical introspective

Type

academic literary

When to use this quote

  • literary translation
  • subtitling
  • interpretive work
  • cross‑cultural communication

Key Concepts

cultural transmission authorial intent reader response

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personal bias affect translation?
  • Can a translation ever be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective

May limit objective fidelity.

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