The Insecurity of the Translator

What most struck me in these readings — specifically about the processes of translation of Proust —  is how introspective the translator gets about their own work. While the commentary about how each translator went about translating what they believed was important, beautiful work was fascinating and applicable to the work I have been doing for this class, I was more interested in the desire behind writing these pieces in the first place. Pages and pages are written about specific word choices, how their works differ from other translations, syntax, and more. I wonder if these translations are able to sit on their own without this commentary, or if it is the responsibility of the translator to define the work in relation to their own identities so that the readers are aware of the subjectivity. I certainly feel the insecurity of the translator in my own process and am wondering if this is necessary to make a loyal translation.

- Lila