Dearest Teacher @sujato,
It took me a long time to embrace this project for several reasons the main one of which was quality assurance.
In my humble opinion, the translation is after all the translator’s interpretation and decision to convey the message, which might or might not be the source text’s intention.
Another issue discussed widely in the translation industry is ‘consistency’. I’ve noticed that you used the same translation most of the time, but in some instances you didn’t. I looked at one instance that you didn’t, and I like your choice. Some people may not.
I myself don’t use a blanket policy for all source texts, either always using the same translation as AI (intelligence without wisdom) would do, or trying to find different ones to keep the translation not boring. Contexts should dictate it. Some words need the same translation at all time, some don’t. Being a responsible translator requires several skills, including informed judgement.
Most important of all, translators should be mindful at all time that their work is for others, not for themselves. Translating is not a way to boost our ego, but a way to serve others. It’s an act of giving. Ensuring that our ‘giving’ is wholesome also requires skills.
I promise I’ll do my best for your project, ka.
With deepest respect,
