Clauses Quote by Lydia Davis
“the translator, a lonely sort of acrobat, becomes confused in a labyrinth of paradox, or climbs a pyramid of dependent clauses and has to invent a way down from it in his own language.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Translator" short story collection, 1995
The translator navigates complex language, likened to an acrobat in a paradoxical maze, needing creative solutions to convey meaning.
In simple terms: Translation is a delicate, inventive act through tangled language.
Key Takeaway
Embrace creativity when confronting linguistic challenges.
Themes
translation
language
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interpreting poetry
- learning new languages
- writing
- editing
Key Concepts
linguistics
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you preserve nuance in translation?
- What strategies help untangle paradoxical language?
A Different Perspective
Complex texts may resist direct translation.
![“I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.” quote by Lydia Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/lydia-davis-3244_after-hours_i-worked-more-intensively-hour-after-hou_171566.jpg)
