Texts In Translation

Translated texts are often stigmatized by literature purists who state that the original form of text is often the highest and most honorable rendition of that text. This does not necessarily have to be true, although there is evidence in wrongly translated texts leading to misinformation, misconceptions and inappropriate phrases. Texts in translations in this regard are almost insulting and blaspheming to the author, the culture and their literature. Translators may seek out texts for the purpose of wrongly interpreting them or unintentionally misinterpreting / mistranslating because they are not a professional.

However, translated texts are also useful for numerous reasons. Translated texts have more chance of being read than in their original setting and can even bridge cultures, allowing one to gain insight and possibly motivation to research or visit the place of origin. While it's possible for mistranslations, it is also possible to inspire an individual to learn about a culture that is not their own. Translated texts not only have a wider audience when translated, but they may also help people from a certain diaspora to reconnect with their heritage.

The main problem with translated texts, however, is that western publishing houses are often too reluctant to publish works that are not originally in english. This makes multiple authors, whose native tongue is not english, to begin practicing and writing in english to access a wider audience. There is clear bias in the world of western literature towards the english language, but this does not only occur in western society. Mistranslated texts can often lead to frustration from the original author or readers from culture the text has come from.

Translated texts when done properly not only give insight to traditional culture, but cultural highlights, problems and historical aspects written from a specific, witnessing point of view that may be relatable to in the culture of origin. For people outside the culture, it is a revelation and another perspective.