Literary Translation and Re-writing the Source Text in Target Language

Abstract

Translation came to existence for conveying both oral and written messages. How to convey that message the best way possible has been subject to views and investigations, historically speaking. A number of views have been expressed in support of word for word translation and to impart that message more effectively they stated that in the forms and symbols of words lie divine secrets thus no word in the source text should be left un-translated regardless of in what form and structure the target text appears. Supporters of meaning-based translation compared meaning in translations, taking into consideration the nature of the target language. This argument lasted for hundreds of years until translation became a standalone science and better theories for the translation of source texts emerged. Based on these theories of translation, not only translation should be done but re-writing and re-innovation should be achieved. This innovation is done by free and daring translators i.e. regardless of counting and measuring words, translated text should be domesticated. Domestication is achievable not only by mastering source and target languages but through an artistic talent of translation which lies in additions, comparison of meaning, and aesthetics of form.