Diamond Translation
Posted by transubstantiation on September 24, 2007
As we have seen in previous entires, translation theory often uses metaphors to describe translation, the translation process and sometimes even translation quality. An interesting metaphor is comparing translation and translation quality assessment to the analysis of diamonds.
The quality of diamonds is usually assessed according to the system most commonly known as the four Cs:
carat
colour
clarity
cut
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, colour refers to the diamond’s hue, clarity refers to the number of defects within the diamond, and cut refers to the way in which a polished diamond is created from a rough stone.
These four Cs could easily be superimposed onto a matrix for translation quality assessment where:
carat = information
colour = style
clarity = fluency
cut = accuracy
This gives us a neat guide for quickly analysing the quality of a translation. Thus, a good translation should contain and will be marked by high quality in each of these categories. In other words, the translation will contain:
(1) relevant information
(2) appropriate style/register
(3) fluent language (without errors)
(4) accurate, polished language
September 25, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Interesting idea. Short and sweet. I like it and I may even put it to use in my work.
September 30, 2007 at 6:02 pm
The more metaphors translators are able to use to discuss and describe their trade, the better it is for everyone.
October 16, 2007 at 8:13 am
I must say that I didn’t think about translation in this way as it is here written. Comparing translation to the diamond’s categories sounds like something new and worth trying to make use of. Thanks!
October 16, 2007 at 8:34 am
A translated text must ’shine’ and in this sense the diamond metaphor seems fitting.
October 17, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Hmm… this is a completely different approach to translating. A compact reminder for the translators. Simplicity is the key I would say;)
October 17, 2007 at 6:07 pm
In what way is it different?
October 17, 2007 at 9:49 pm
It is an interesting metaphor indeed. And if it is true that diamonds are forever (according to a famous slogan promoted by De Beers) so, by analogy, an outstanding translation is timeless as well. Considering sublime translation of poetry done by Barańczak I’d say we can reach immortality.
October 18, 2007 at 5:31 am
Pefection is, of course, only relative.
October 25, 2007 at 11:14 am
I like the comparison very much. It will be easier for me to remember how to check a translation if I keep in my mind diamond’s category. As Marylin Monroe said, “Diamonds are a girl’s best frind.”
October 25, 2007 at 7:48 pm
The measure of quality should be a translator’s best friend.
January 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Great and very interesting comparison!!I have never heard of it before,but it shows qualities of translation in an artistic way. I like it veeeery much!!
January 20, 2008 at 4:37 pm
the more we describe and explain, the easier it is to understand the whole process.