Book Quote by Sam Lipsyte
“When a translator translates my book, it is no longer just my book. It is the translator's book, too. So the book in another language is almost the work of two people. And that is quite interesting to me.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Translating a work creates a shared authorship, merging the original and the translator’s voice into a joint creation.
In simple terms: Translation makes a book a collaboration.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the translator’s contribution.
Themes
authorship
collaboration
translation
literature
identity
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- literary criticism
- academic study
- multilingual marketing
- cross‑cultural communication
Key Concepts
intellectual property
cultural exchange
creative partnership
Questions to Reflect On
- How does translation alter a text’s impact?
- What responsibilities do translators have to the original author?
A Different Perspective
The original author may feel loss of control over meaning.
