The Loss of Beauty and Meaning through Translation- Written Feb 7

 The Loss of Beauty and Meaning Through Translation:

2/5 Assigned reading from “Introduction to Sacred and Profane Beauty 


Translating writing involves more than just changing words from one language to another. The reading we were assigned, "Introduction to Sacred and Profane Beauty," dives into how beauty and meaning can get lost in translation, showing us the challenges translators face in capturing the essence of work when translating literature across different languages.


Sometimes intricate meanings and cultural subtleties can slip away during translation, affecting both the appeal and deeper significance of the original text. It sheds light on how translators' perspectives can shape how beauty and meaning are perceived, making us question the faithfulness and purity of the translated work. There are also some words that one language might have that don’t translate into the other.


Analyzing the idea of losing beauty and meaning through translation makes us appreciate the job translators have and the importance of staying true to the original work when moving it into different languages. It reminds us of the complexities involved in communication and the ongoing effort to honor the heart of the original text through translation.


Questions after the assignment:

  • Why is it that some languages have words that others don't?
  • Is it harder to translate some languages more than others?

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