Approximations and Appropriations

Abstract

The article explores the suitability of the terms approximation and appropriation for describing source–target relations in song translations. It is argued that the terms are fit and flexible enough to serve the variability of sung target texts, the many contexts and genres songs appear in, and the fact a song must be performed to be a song. They can be understood simply as ‘coming or getting near’ and ‘making it your own,’ respectively, but they can also be used to recognize different kinds of approximation (textual, musical, stylistic-aesthetic, visual, etc.) and signs of appropriation (discoursal, sociocultural, ethnic, etc.). The terms have been used in previous research in music and translation but less so in general translation studies, perhaps because of a perceived connotation of imperfection or controversy. The variability of song translation is discussed through diverse examples: two hit tunes, a music video, a hymn, a scout song, and an opera aria. A song translation can (only) deliver an approximation of some qualities of a source song, but it will also (often) change some of those qualities in an appropriation for a new situation.