Translation is an artistic science and I can prove this…

Though it is a sheer fact that literature and languages in no way can be classified as science and from time immemorial these are referred as branches of arts, I too concede this blatant truth. Now, the question arises. Is translation too an art? Majority of you will say, Yes. But, do you have any rationale for it? I don’t think that medium (language) alone is worth sufficient to categorize it as an art and I don’t deny that translation is not an art, but is it only an art is a big question. I don’t want to stretch the things, let’s come to the point and talk about logic and evidences.

 Friends! May I ask a simple question ? If you translate a document from English to German and the subject is ‘Chemotherapy for Curing the Cancer’. Now, is it possible that a translator well versed with German and a great grip at the English language will do justice with the consignment, although he is naive at chemotherapy, cancer and medical science. Of course not, a word by word translation completely deteriorate the translation, unless it is done by a professional who has sound knowledge in medical science too, especially of the aforesaid disease and various available treatments, chemotherapy is one of them.

BEWARE!  A simple negligence and an unintentional mistake due to the lack of familiarity with the subject matter can really cause a collateral damage. We all understand that how serious is the subject and can imagine complexity of the outcome. Language expertise, sincerity and paid attention are not enough for making a good translation. Factors like accuracy, authenticity and reliability justify the quality of a translation work. Alike a scientist, a good translator too focus on three major aspects: what, why and how? Without discovering the answer of the three basic question none can invent a good translation work and we can’t expect a flawless and justifiable outcome. Hope, you would agree. Friends, next time I will come up with few more intrigues.