The True Essence of Translation

Lu Xun once remarked that he initially thought translation would be much simpler than writing an article, as the original text is already there; one merely needs to translate it into the target language. However, when he actually attempted to translate, he discovered that the printed words on the page were not just answers but limitations: when writing, if a word eludes him, he can simply choose another, but that's not possible in translation. The author's intent must remain intact, and it cannot be easily altered. When faced with challenging expressions, a translator can only scratch their head in frustration, struggling to find the right wording.

The insights of this master vividly depict the daily reality of translators: they exhaust their abilities and draw upon their knowledge solely to convey the author's message, acting as a bridge between the author and the readers, concealing themselves within the lines until their unnoticed name appears at the bottom. If the final product turns out well, the praise and glory belong to the author; if it falls short, much of the blame rests on the translator. In this way, translators become both scapegoats for the author and guardians of the work. Regardless of the role they play, the responsibility resting on translators is significant.

Yet, there are still those who are willing to engage in this work. For me, witnessing people who were once unable to communicate suddenly realize their hearts resonate with each other is a truly wonderful experience. In this process, translation serves not only as a medium for conveying language but also as a bridge across cultural divides, enriching what lies beyond the written word. For instance, I once heard a story about an American woman living in China who planned to adopt a Chinese child. When she inquired about the child's name, which was "知春" (Zhichun), she asked her friends what it meant. Everyone told her it meant "know the spring is coming," but her limited knowledge of Chinese left her puzzled. According to her understanding from the dictionary, the two characters together should mean "know the spring," so where did the "coming" come from? In fact, influenced by ancient Chinese poetry, the minds of Chinese people possess a certain automatic completion function; perhaps the famous line "春江水暖鸭先知" (The duck knows that the spring river is warm) has left a lasting impression. This reminds us that sometimes, phrases derived from poetry carry specific connotations understood only by those from that culture.

All languages and cultures are beautifully unique, and it is a great pity if they can only exist in isolation without being understood by others. This is especially true for the cultures of smaller language communities, which often struggle to spread globally like English-speaking cultures due to language barriers and limited numbers of learners. However, behind these unique cultures may lie even deeper charms. When translators bear the weight of their readers and carry them across vast geographical distances, they fulfill a higher mission.

◀️：Adaptation in Response to Situations: A Brief Discussion on Contextual Issues in Translation

▶️：The Purpose Theory of Translation