b)"Translation is betrayal"
Which is it?
Yes.
Eugene Peterson, in "Eat This Book," is behind both quotes; and I am behind him suggesting they are both right.
"A" is actually a quote Peterson includes from Franz Rosenzweig: "Every translation is a messianic act, which brings redemption nearer." (p.119) ..The quote in context here...
"B," in context:
"An old canard that sooner or later gets introduced into discussions of translation is 'You, a translator? Traitor!' Translation is betrayal. All translation is inherently mistranslation. Each language is unique."
Viola! All translation is both messianic and betrayal.
Kind of like life.
In fact, life is translation.
Dave: Very nice! This really puts it well and succinctly. I'm going to have to write it down.
ReplyDeleteBeggarman:
ReplyDeleteawesome!
dave
Well put!
ReplyDelete