Here are thoughts I had as I read about the translation journey that brought you to: Though years may pass, some barricades yet burn—those ablaze in the heart.
I felt the barricade around the heart of the oppressed. The battle may be over and lost, still simmering, but this barricade protects my heart and the heart of my people and ancestors, you can never pass this barricade. Take our land, our language, our customs but we have protected our hearts, our collective heart.
It was so enjoyable to follow your semantic pilgrimage as a translator trying to capture the galvanizing power of an apparently simple phrase on a poster in Spanish into English. As a translator myself, I agree with what you describe as "the fluidity of translation." I do believe that translation is an art form as it seeks to recreate the context of an original text. Translators are deeply concerned with the ramifications of words that can best capture the spirit of that text. I like your last option: it gets to the universal flame in the heart that fuels the fight for justice and freedom. It is alive and well today as we fight to restore sanity in a world driven by chaos.
I do enjoy your posts, Patricia!
Here are thoughts I had as I read about the translation journey that brought you to: Though years may pass, some barricades yet burn—those ablaze in the heart.
I felt the barricade around the heart of the oppressed. The battle may be over and lost, still simmering, but this barricade protects my heart and the heart of my people and ancestors, you can never pass this barricade. Take our land, our language, our customs but we have protected our hearts, our collective heart.
Lisa, what a fine translation of the core of this matter! Thanks so much for that. It encourages me.
And thanks for the restack!
It was so enjoyable to follow your semantic pilgrimage as a translator trying to capture the galvanizing power of an apparently simple phrase on a poster in Spanish into English. As a translator myself, I agree with what you describe as "the fluidity of translation." I do believe that translation is an art form as it seeks to recreate the context of an original text. Translators are deeply concerned with the ramifications of words that can best capture the spirit of that text. I like your last option: it gets to the universal flame in the heart that fuels the fight for justice and freedom. It is alive and well today as we fight to restore sanity in a world driven by chaos.
Carmen, a wonderfully articulate rendering of what I meant to say! And that you're a translator shows here.
Apparently the Gran Om link is not working? It did before I posted this. I'll see if I can correct that. They have a zillion posters, fun to look at.
Most thoughtful and rich, Pat.
Mil gracias, Chris.