Often when translating a novel from its original language to English there are some important words omitted or changed. On a small scale these words can seem insignificant but when compared to other themes or characters a few omitted words can completely change the perspective a specific aspect of a novel is viewed. This paper deals with the issues surrounding translated works by focusing on the version of the novel A Personal Matter by Kenzaburo Oe, translated by John Nathan. By focusing on a specific passage and retranslating it from the original version in Japanese a few key points stand out. The passage deals with the introduction of a character, Himiko, in which the word “lost” is excluded from the English translation. Through close reading, this omitted word becomes an integral part of understanding Himiko, giving a clear example of the flaws inherent in translated novels.
| Presenter: | Erica Sampson (Undergraduate Student) |
|---|---|
| Topic: | |
| Location: | 219 Hartwell |
| Time: | 10:45 am (Session II) |
