Exercise: The challenge of translation

There is much more to translating a play than simply finding matching English words for the ones in the original language. Translators have to make many decisions about how, exactly, to approach the text they are working with.

Questions to consider include: Should they translate word for word? What about expressions in the original language that don’t exist in the other language — should they substitute a different expression that conveys the same idea, or simply rely on the audience catching on? What about the customs and beliefs reflected in the play that are foreign to the new audience — should some explanation be offered? If the play was written a long time ago, should the translation reflect the language of long ago or should it be in contemporary terms?

These questions and more are on the minds of translators as they work. Below are three versions of the same section of the play - one in the original Spanish, and two translations. Read them over (if you do not speak Spanish, just read the two English versions). What are the similarities? What are the differences? What choices do you think the two translators made in their work? Do you agree with them? If you know Spanish, try your own translation — what decisions did you find yourself making as you worked?

Original Text, from Los Empeños de una Casa
Si de Carlos la gala y bizarría pudo por sí mover a mi cuidado, ¿cómo parecerá, siendo enviado, lo que sólo por sí bien parecía? Si sin triunfo rendirle pretendía, sabiendo ya que vive enamorado ¿qué victoria será verle apartado de quien antes por suyo le tenía? Pues perdone Don Juan, que aunque yo quiera pagar su amor, que a olvido ya condeno, ¿cómo podré si ya en mi pena fiera introducen los cellos su veneno? Que es Carlos más galán; y aunque no fuera, tiene de más galán el ser ajeno.

Translation #1, from The House of Trials, tr. David Pasto
Since the grace and gallantry of Carlos had enough power to make me love him, how will they appear now that jealousy adds to the attraction? If I tried in vain to win his love, knowing that he loves another, what would I gain by keeping him apart from his first love? Pardon me, Don Juan. Although I want to return your love and condemn my neglect, how could I, now that jealousy has thrust its poison into my suffering? Carlos is the most handsome suitor, but his suit belongs to another.

Translation #2, from House of Desires, tr. Catherine Boyle
If Carlos’s gallant splendour could by itself move me to care, does not envy enhance beyond measure all that naturally made him so fair? If I thought to win him without fighting, now that I know he’s in love, won’t victory be much more exciting when he’s parted from his sweet precious dove? So, forgive me Don Juan, though it may be more sane to repay your love, which I now condemn to oblivion, how can I do so, when into my fierce pain jealousy has injected its poison? Carlos is more gallant, but if that were not so, that he belongs to another makes him irresistible.