Authority in Translation

In class, we've talked about how a translation can become a new text entirely -- each subsequent translation of a text is new. It was interesting to read Vandersschelden's essay on what role authors play in translations. For Isaac Bashevis Singer, his contribution to the translation of his work came from mistrust towards his translators ("The best translators make the worst mistakes.") I don't know if this is a healthy collaboration, but is an extreme example of how an author may work with their translator. The essay claims that author intervention "reinforces the derivative nature of the translation as a byproduct of the original," I don't think this is true in most cases. Translation is always a byproduct of the original because it would not exist without the original. Author intervention can clarify some phrases, like Tabucchi said. A translation is always based on the work of an author, and the author has the right to intervene. The author doesn't have the translation knowledge, assuming they're not a translator themselves, but wrote the original work. There is no hierarchy in translation. A collaboration between author and translator can be healthy, without questions of authority.

- Hanan Akbari