Chapter 84 On Translation and Introduction of Foreign Works

A young friend who loves literature and art wrote a letter to discuss that he often reads translated works, and found that some of the translators in the preface or postscript are highly respectful of foreign original authors and their works. To become a world famous work is to praise it as a representative work, so good that it has no flaws at all, and there are few criticisms or analysis of its advantages and disadvantages.Is it really too good to be discussed?Or is it an unconsciously subjective and xenophobic psychology? Regarding this issue, I am afraid that many people will also feel the same way. It seems that all foreign works that have been translated are good.Whoever is proficient in that kind of foreign language will have a special preference for works in that kind of foreign language and its authors, and will naturally give them special praise.Although this is not without Lao Wang's suspicion of selling melons, it is also human nature.Otherwise, if you don't deliberately say it is good or really think it is good, why bother to translate it?Publishers are not happy to praise him, so how can they promote the sales of the book?

However, in all fairness, it cannot be said that there are no blind praises, or those who praise them too much.As a result, if it is improper due to over-reputation, it will be suspected or even rejected by readers.In fact, for readers with a high degree of literary and artistic accomplishment, is the content of a translated work good?And how good is it and is it as impeccable as the translator generally praised?Readers only need to read it once to see the truth. If the impression they get is negative, then in the minds of readers, the reputation of the translator and publisher is considered a deal.Just like what this young friend said, when it comes to translated foreign literary and artistic works, readers may have different opinions, or they may differ due to differences in thoughts and life backgrounds, but translators and publishers blindly praise foreign works too much. There will always be disappointments.

And for ordinary readers, it’s better to praise foreign works in every book like this, so that these readers will accept them all without knowing it. Over time, it is inevitable that they will not Form a mentality of worshiping foreigners.As for the differences and influences of ideas and opinions, it is even more impossible to measure. Although we can't say that everything is our number one (such as Japan), we should not blindly say that everything is number one in foreign countries.Therefore, when it comes to translation, introduction and publication of foreign literary and artistic works, not only can’t they all be 100% good enough to be highly praised, but also should be commented in the preface or preface, carefully analyze their advantages and disadvantages, and give readers appropriate consideration. Guidance, and strive to be objective, can be regarded as the correct attitude that translators and mediators should have.Otherwise, wouldn't it appear that the translator lacked true knowledge, or hadn't fully digested this foreign work?