Retranslation: Necessary or Unnecessary

Xu Jianzhong

Babel 2003 49 (3)193-202
(ReLIS:jul:oibfdn:y:2003:v:49:i:3:p:193-202)

Abstract:

This article discusses an old-and-new topic, retranslation. The author, by analyzing the different aspects of retranslation, draws the following conclusion. The direct retranslation of literary works should be encouraged because it is the incarnation of artistry and the significance of it is to surpass former translated version(s). The direct retranslation of the science books should be strictly limited because, quite different from the direct retranslation of literary works, it is only for the spreading of scientific truths, not for the readers' appreciation. So it needs no competition in artistic approaches. But if the language and terms of the translated versions are not accurate or wrong or out of date, it is needed. Indirect re/translation, although it loses some of the information of the original, should be accepted because it is a good supplement to direct translation. It is decreasing, but it will never disappear.

Keywords: Retraducción
Pages: 193-202
Volume: 49
Year: 2003
Issue: 3

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