Cathy Hirono & "The Friends"

In the reading, Cathy Hirono retells the various challenges of translation-- most of which we've been picking at during class time. Tone, formality, humor, culturally significant terms and references, etc. I, myself, find translating tone and formality the most difficult part of Japanese-to-English translation. Like when Hirono mentioned the use of kimi in The Spring Tone. English is a fairly casual language. It isn't possible to show how the word "you" can change tone with the word alone, the way it can in Japanese. It's a neutral word itself. I liked how Hirono chose to insert "I presume" after the translated sentence in order to try to channel this shift. In the case where someone is talking down to the other person, it is crucial for the dialogue that some level of snootiness is kept in the text. In most other cases, it's hard to keep these distinctions. The easiest way is super formal speech, where we can make the text extra stiff, or casual/somewhat rude text.

"I do not suppose you would mind stepping aside so I may pass?"

vs

"Move it!!"

I also loved her outlook on what translation is for,  not just its practical use. Translation is about making a work accessible to a wider audience. Provide a new group the opportunity to read and connect to an author's work. It's a shame to be limited only by your own language ability, after all. Without translation, not only could we not enjoy various authors, but we wouldn't be able to experience a new culture through the eyes of someone raised in it. Especially in cases such as The Friends. This book follows children living in Japan. Growing up with a daily routine unfamiliar to the average English speaker. Thanks to Hirono's translation, the author was able to share the daily life of Japanese children: the conditions they live in, their curiosity, their growth.  We are privileged to live in a world where we are able to not just read, but connect to the works of authors around the world.

Melissa :)

The Spring Tone