Translating a weighty matter

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to examine certain cultural and ethical aspects which make the translator’s task arduous. Firstly, it is demonstrated that the indissolubility of language and culture (Nida 2002) means that the translator must possess high-level cultural competency and an understanding of context (Herbulot 2004). Secondly, by applying Narrative Theory to translation (Baker 2006), the article highlights ethical considerations associated with translating certain narratives and advances Fisher’s narrative paradigm as a possible response (Fisher 1984, 1985, 1997). Citing the example of a translated, contemporary, African novel (Mouanda Kibinde 2004, 2015), the translator-author’s ethical responsibility of prioritizing the reader of the translated text (Leclercq 2002) is examined against the backdrop of reception theory (Rosenblatt 1969, 1978 (1994)). The article concludes by suggesting which courses of action are open to the translator, in the face of weighty, cultural and ethical constraints (Ortega y Gasset 2013).