The Pitfalls of Literary Translation - Page 80

C2 Proficiency · Word Formation · Ready for C2 Proficiency Workbook, Macmillan

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning.

OBSESS

FLAW

OBTRUDE

CONVEY

AMBIGUOUS

COMPENSATE

INTEND

SPARE

All types of translation are inherently (0) ___ , requiring mastery of both languages as well as an (1) ___ keen commitment to accuracy in both style and substance. (2) ___ in the effective communication of technically complex concepts is taken as read. What's more, a great translation must always remain (3) ___ , such that the reader must never notice that they are reading an adaptation. But literary translation adds a whole new set of challenges, not least the (4) ___ of the original author's voice. Where the original makes use of stylistic devices, double meanings, wordplay and intentional (5) ___ , so too must the translator. This is, of course, easier said than done, which is why a literary translator will often need to make up for their inability to use the relevant techniques in one fragment by inserting them elsewhere, thereby preserving the overall feel of the text. However, (6) ___ can be jarring, and may lead to the translator (7) ___ swamping the text with their own voice. This technique must therefore be used (8) ___ .

The pitfalls of literary translation

LABOUR

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