Literature Quote by Jose Saramago
“Writer's make national literature, while translators make universal literature.”
About This Quote
Translators expand literature beyond its original language, making it accessible worldwide, while writers create the original works within their culture
In simple terms: Writers create local works; translators spread them globally
Key Takeaway
Value both creation and translation
Themes
literature
translation
global culture
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- academic study
- book fairs
Key Concepts
cultural exchange
language barriers
publishing industry
Questions to Reflect On
- How does translation affect the meaning of a work?
- What responsibilities do translators have?
A Different Perspective
Translation alone cannot replace original cultural context
![“Few [books] get translated and the ones that do have trouble making it into the mainstream. It's more likely that Americans will discover another culture through an American writer rather read a writer from that culture.” quote by Laila Lalami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4dd/laila-lalami-25030_american-writer_few-books-get-translated-and-the-ones-th_1637134.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
