Latvian Translation Scene at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Century

Andrejs Veisbergs

doi:10.15388/vertstud.2020.7

Abstract

The paper looks at the Latvian translation scene at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. It is a continuation of the study of translation history in Latvia reflected in previous issues of Vertimo studijos (vol. 7, 8, 11). These decades are marked by a huge growth of translation, especially in periodicals. German was gradually losing its dominant position as a source and intermediate language, Russian was advancing, so was also the scope of other languages. In contrast to previous periods there was a particular interest in the quality of the originals and modernity.This period also saw a change of generations among translators, and women became visible in translation scene. Translators among whom there were all the great Latvian writers gradually emerged as professionals. Frequently translations had prefaces and explanations by the translators. There were numerous parallel translations of the same works, some reaching up to ten versions. Translations included various genres and the traditional Latvian interest in plays was very obvious. So was the focus on specialised literature on agriculture. The translation method changed from localisation to a fidelity mode with a tendency to apply elements of foreignisation.

Highlights

This period saw a change of generations among translators, and women became visible in translation scene
The translation method changed from localisation to a fidelity mode with a tendency to apply elements of foreignisation
Translations included various genres and the traditional Latvian interest in plays was obvious. This period saw a change of generations among translators, and with the new generation women became visible in translation scene

Summary

Translation methods

This period spelled the end of the old-style localisation strategy with elements of adaptation. Another reason why many outstanding native writers turned to translation (which seems to be a general tendency at the period (Albrecht 1998: 279)) was the relatively high proportion of poetry texts on the Latvian translation menu This change of method was a gradual and natural one, without theoretical substantiation. Originals never exercise the skilful use of language as well as translations do” (Rainis 1986: 436) He called for a collection of Baltic and Estonian theoretical papers on translation issues, as a source of knowledge transfer similar to the way Latvian farmers were copying the Danish farming experience. Andrievs Niedra, a Latvian writer of the old school, while appreciating many of Rainis’s achievements, was somewhat critical of his language He stated that Rainis departed from the traditional “peasant’s language”, being aware that the new age called for a “faster” language. He stated that Rainis developed his new language through translations, and to some extent deplored this, as it was allegedly based on German and Russian models (Niedra 1930)

Conclusions

23. Liepāja