Understanding Challenges in Literary Translation

Problems of Literary Translation

1. Concepts

Solipsism Linguistico:

The position that, even within the same language, all true communication is impossible.

Connotation:

Plurality of representations.

Multiple Meanings:

The word carries multiple dimensions of character semantics, both diachronic and synchronic. In the first, multiple meanings result from the history of words, reflecting the richness of meaning that oral and written traditions have accumulated. In the second, the literary word possesses plurivalent dimensions, particularly due to its conceptual relationships, imaginative qualities, and rhythmic connections with other elements of the context in which the writer operates.

2. Concept of Literary Work

A work of art where the expressive medium is the word. Quality is more important than quantity.

3. Difficulties in Understanding the Work

The special quality of language:

• Subjective character due to the absence of links with empirical reality.
• The language and its connotative plurality of meanings.
• The uniqueness of the literary work, its predominantly subjective character, connotation, and its verbal structure's purisignification are insurmountable obstacles to full comprehension.

4. "Wings" of the Translator

The expressive capacity and understanding. Comprehension and expression are the wings of the translator; anyone who fails in either cannot soar.

5. Problems of Literary Translation / Requirements for Literary Translators

The uniqueness of the literary work, its predominantly subjective character, connotation, and multiple meanings in its verbal structure present obstacles to literary translation.

Requirements:

• Broad and deep knowledge of the language being translated.
• Extensive vocabulary.
• Skill in managing morphology and syntax.
• Fine discernment of phonetic values and nuances of expressive words.
• Possession of writing skills and training.

6. Schleiemacher's Approach and Its Relevance in Contemporary Literary Translation

According to Schleiemacher, translation is a method that does not thrive in all languages but is free from ties to classical expressions. Different translations can exist, but one cannot claim that one is superior to another. Each case will never have more conditional and subjective value than the other.

7. Dilemma of Poetry and Verse

An unsolved problem. A good translation in prose is better than a poor translation in verse, but a good translation in verse is worth more than a good prose translation. In either case, rhythmic verbal correspondence is often lost, along with the harmony and softness of the original.