When translating texts, there is always the potential of
losing certain phrases or meanings to the limitations of each language, such as
not having certain letters or words that may be used in the original language.
Not only this, but translations can also be changed depending on the
understanding that the translator has of the text, which could cause the text's
meanings to shift according to the liking of the translator. In essence this
can also be beneficial to allow texts to be seen in different lights but texts
can also be controlled. This is because governments or scholars can decide to
censor ideas within translated texts, such as cutting out any anti-government
thoughts.
Although, there are also benefits to translating a text. This
particularly comes from how, through translating languages, cultures and their
traditions and beliefs can be transferred and shared globally. An example is
how traditions, such as festivals in a country, can be described and explained
or even certain beliefs, like thoughts shared by a community. This example is
shown in books like “The Thief and the Dogs” where we are able to learn the
thoughts and ideas of people in the Egyptian Revolution and their lives
afterwards which many people in countries like Canada, U.K and the U.S.A would
not understand due to Arabic not being as widely spread compared to Egypt. Another
example of how translating texts are beneficial is how translators can
implement their own ideas and versions of the text which can help readers
understand how texts and their meanings can be varied. An example is how Feng
translated Tagore’s poems into Chinese and how he showed a more sexual side to
some of his verses that, before, had been controlled to simply be flowered
versions of love verses. Overall, translating texts can be beneficial to teaching others about
cultures or about different ideas that they may never see due to them being too
far or because of possible language barriers.
