Because translation is about MORE than translating word for word. You’re supposed to try to take cultural context into account. In your example, the translation would be accurate since most people reading the translations would be familiar with the common statement. Granted there’s other factors to take into account as well, but I can’t address those based on a short anecdote.
But my point was that IF literal translation still makes perfect sense and doesn’t sound weird, then WHY would you not translate literally?
Why do translators feel the next to bend every line that was written? I guess I just disagree that cultural context is more important that the context of what the actual writer said.
I’m just glad I no longer need translators at least for one language. They seem to be a fickle lot.
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Because translation is about MORE than translating word for word. You’re supposed to try to take cultural context into account. In your example, the translation would be accurate since most people reading the translations would be familiar with the common statement. Granted there’s other factors to take into account as well, but I can’t address those based on a short anecdote.
Accidentally deleted my previous comment, sorry.
But my point was that IF literal translation still makes perfect sense and doesn’t sound weird, then WHY would you not translate literally?
Why do translators feel the next to bend every line that was written? I guess I just disagree that cultural context is more important that the context of what the actual writer said.
I’m just glad I no longer need translators at least for one language. They seem to be a fickle lot.