An Investigation into Self-Translation

Abstract

The paper analyzes the nature, basic aspects, and specific features of self-translation in the context of translation theory and practice, as well as basic causes making writers translate their works. The analysis of the works on the topic shows that the issue is understudied and demands further investigation. Our analysis shows that self-translation (translation of the author) is considered to be the translation of an original work into another language by the author himself. On the one hand, it is a rather rare phenomenon. On the other hand, self-translation represents "ideal" translation since the author is in a better position than any ordinary translator because he knows his creation as nobody else and has the authority to allow himself shifts in the translation which might not have been 'allowed' by another translator. The results of self-translation can be regarded as certain "gold standards" for others to make use of. There are different reasons that cause bilingual writers to translate their works, both linguistic (interest to languages, wish to create and use new expressive means, dissatisfaction with existing translations, etc.) and extralinguistic (emigration, challenge to check one's gift in new conditions, paying tribute to motherland, etc.). It is obvious that some reasons are objective, but others can be considered subjective, the latter being more powerful and stimulating.

Lexical Category of Style Markers Variations in Literary Self-Translation

“…Variation is considered suitable criteria to be used for translation criticism in this study because the object of this research is self-translation in the context of recreation. In self-translation research, the concept of equivalence is considered inappropriate because the paradigm of equivalence has placed the translator (in this case also acts as the author of the ST) in an asymmetric or inferior position (Maklakova, Khovanskaya, & Grigorieva, 2017). This study uses the term variation because it has a neutral impression (Astuti & Tou, 2016) and not only shows the difference but also shows the similarity between the ST and the TT.…”

Exploring Intricacies in English Passive Construction Translation in Research Articles’ Abstracts by Arab Author-Translators

“…. knows his creation as nobody else and has the authority to allow himself shifts in the translation which might not have been allowed by another translator” (Maklakova et al, 2017, p. 1265). It was argued by Grutman & Van Bolderen (2014, p. 329) that “.…”

Ideological Representation Through Nouns in the Question of Red and Its Self-Translation Amba

“…Authors who act as translators of their own works can better understand various aspects of the ST so that they are considered capable of producing translations that truly represent the ST's message while still paying attention to the choice of style. The translation is considered ideal (Maklakova, Khovanskaya, & Grigorieva, 2017) because the authors grasp the intent of the ST. Their position is considered superior to other translators. The translated version is valid because it can capture and re-express its meaning in TL.…”

“…The translation is not a perfect replica of the source text. Nikolaev (Maklakova, Khovanskaya, & Grigorieva, 2017) mentions self-translation as a work that contains distinction from the source text because of the grammatical peculiarities of the TL and its cultural background. In line with Nikolaev, Asaduddin (2008) calls this phenomenon as deviation.…”