A Voyage into Translation

Every translation is an adventure in a world rich in knowledge, emotions, and new discoveries. Much has been studied on the techniques and strategies needed to translate the various written genres and styles. Often the translator applies such methodologies in an automatic and unconscious way. Nonetheless, stylistically faithful and linguistically correct translations are not enough. Passion is needed, besides knowing of all the profound aspects of the language that is being translated. Also, knowledge of the current use of the special language is needed, because a one-to-one, word-to- word correspondence is not sufficient and is not always possible. It is important to know and learn, sometimes even in a professional way, the subjects of the texts that are being translated, and when this is not so, then the translator must have the humbleness to work with the author. When this is not possible, like in my case, then the subjects must be studies even more deeply, and the heart must pump!