Translation as an Art Form

“If literature is an art form, then the translator must also be an artist.”  Such reads a statement from Kersti Juva who is arguably the world’s most widely known translator.  Her fame began when she was appointed an “Artist Professor” in Finland.  This position has earned her attention not only in Finland, but throughout the world. 

As one might expect, Juva, who has translated works from authors ranging from A.A. Milne to William Shakespeare, has much to say on the topic of translation as art.  She explains, “Translating can be described more or less like this: I dress myself in the original text and start to imitate the author’s gestures and movements . . .”  She also describes how a good translation must both resemble and yet differ from the original text: “If one sets out from the premise that the translation must be the equivalent of the original text in another language, translating is impossible.  A translation cannot empty the original into a new language.  The true goal of a translation is not to resemble the original text, but to fill its place, or, perhaps better, to create a similar place within the target culture.”  By doing so, the translator allows those in the target language to enjoy literature from all over the world. 

To learn more about Kersti Juva, visit her website: www.turanko.net/kersti/classics.html