Quarterly Essay 52 Found in Translation: In Praise of a Plural
World


the power and perils of a translator's task


 

---

The
last quarterly essay of the year usually finds readers tired of politics and
looking for a fresh topic. Well, Linda Jaivin delivers. This eclectic assemblage
of experiences, insights, taboos and tips is both a hoot and a timely reminder
that neither the written or spoken word is usually what it seems. The immense
importance of context, nuance, cultural sensitivity and currency whenever we
meet a statement that was not originally uttered in English, and even some that
are, is examined through events on the street, complex or contrived meetings,
and the day-to-day news. Jaivin not only removes the veil of Anglo-centric
perception, but illuminates the elephant in the room, the convenient pretence
that we perpetuate or blunder through, particularly in respect of how we see and
are seen by China. There’s also a gentle message, strongly delivered, about
tolerance and justice, again well nuanced. Anyone who wishes to work across
cultures and languages, either at a commercial level or simply in an attempt to
better understand our place in the world, would do well to consider Jaivin’s
story.

A
trifle briefer than some quarterly essays, Jaivin's compact contribution is a
gem and has inspired many a discussion about language.