I was struck by Riggs' description of translation as "transmigration" rather than simple linguistic conversation. When translating Japanese expository prose into English, Riggs argues that "the physical body of the original piece has to be obliterated and reincarnated in a totally different guise in order for the soul (message) to be reborn in the next (English) life." Japanese essays typically rely on looser rhetoric and delayed thesis statements, meaning an effective translation requires stepping into the editor's shoes; rebuilding a paragraph structure and supplying clear lead paragraphs so the core argument actually lands for the new audience.
The second reading emphasizes this point by exploring the tension between literal accuracy and readability. The author argues that translating every word directly can make a text awkward or difficult to follow, which is a concern that has been mentioned in various readings in class. By removing repetitive details and restructuring long sentences, translators can preserve the original's overall meaning and impression while making it more accessible.
Both readings suggest that translation requires creativity and interpretation, as translators must preserve the spirit of the original while adapting it to new linguistic and cultural contexts.
Emma
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