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Dryden's Essay

The document discusses different approaches to translation, including metaphrase translation, imitation, and finding a middle ground between the two. It outlines John Dryden's view that a translator must have skill in the art of translation as well as a mastery of both the source and target languages. A translator should aim to keep the style and essence of the original work while adapting the form to the new language. However, translating only the exact words would be unfair, so translators must select expressions that convey the intended meaning without distorting it. The document compares translation to painting, noting a painter must accurately resemble the original subject without changing features. Some experts believe a good translation not only captures the essence of the original but also brings new artistic elements

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Mahbubur Rahman
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36 views1 page

Dryden's Essay

The document discusses different approaches to translation, including metaphrase translation, imitation, and finding a middle ground between the two. It outlines John Dryden's view that a translator must have skill in the art of translation as well as a mastery of both the source and target languages. A translator should aim to keep the style and essence of the original work while adapting the form to the new language. However, translating only the exact words would be unfair, so translators must select expressions that convey the intended meaning without distorting it. The document compares translation to painting, noting a painter must accurately resemble the original subject without changing features. Some experts believe a good translation not only captures the essence of the original but also brings new artistic elements

Uploaded by

Mahbubur Rahman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In Metaphrase translation the translator faces many challenges all at once, which makes it difficult for

them to untangle themselves from it all. They have to think about the ideas of the original author and the
words they used, and then find equivalent words in another language. On top of that, they have to stick to
a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. It's like trying to dance on ropes with tied legs. One can avoid
falling by being careful, but he won't be able to move gracefully. Ultimately, it's a foolish task because no
sensible person would put themselves in danger just to receive praise for avoiding a broken neck.
Imitating an author means that a poet tries to write in a similar way as someone who wrote before them
on the same subject. It doesn't involve translating the exact words or being limited to the original author's
meaning. Instead, it's about using the author as a pattern and imagining how they would have written if
they lived in current time and place. Imitation of an author is the most advantageous way for a translator
to show himself, but it is also the greatest wrong that can be done to the reputation of the author.
In John Dryden's opinion, imitation and verbal translation are two extremes that should be avoided. He
suggests that a middle ground should be sought between these two approaches. It is stated that by finding
this balanced approach, the extent to which Dryden's argument holds true will become evident.
According to John Dryden, a translator of poetry needs to have two important abilities. Firstly, they
should be skilled in the art of translation. Dryden is addressing him or her as “a Genius of that art”
Secondly, they must be a master of both the language of the original author and their own language. It's
not just about understanding the poet's words; it's also about grasping their unique thoughts and way of
expressing them. These qualities make the poet distinct from other writers. Once the translator has this
understanding, they need to align their own creative abilities with the poet's. They can try to keep the
same style if their language allows it, or they can adapt the form while keeping the essence of the original
work intact.
Because each language has its own unique characteristics, what may be considered beautiful in one
language can sometimes sound strange or nonsensical in another. Therefore, it would be unfair to restrict
a translator to using only the exact words of the original author. Instead, it is sufficient for the translator to
select expressions that do not distort the intended meaning of the text. He compared a translator with a
painter.
When a painter creates a copy of something from real life, they are not allowed to change the features and
characteristics of the subject just because they think it would make the picture look better. Even if
changing the shape the eyes or nose could make the face look more accurate, the painter's job is to make
the painting resemble the original as closely as possible.
Some experts believe that the merit of a translation lies in the ability to enhance the original piece by
adding new beauties to compensate for what may be lost in the process of changing languages. In other
words, a translation can be seen as valuable when it not only captures the essence of the original work but
also brings new artistic elements that enrich the overall experience.

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