How Translation Works, Book Title Edition

John Scalzi discusses the complexities of translating fiction, emphasizing that it involves more than direct word-for-word conversion. Effective translation captures the tone and cultural nuances of the original text, which is crucial for conveying the intended feel to the audience. He illustrates this with the Hungarian title of his book "When the Moon Hits Your Eye," which was changed to "Csak a hold az égen," a phrase from a popular Hungarian song. This title resonates more with Hungarian readers, evoking a similar emotional response as the original English title. Scalzi argues that human translators are essential for this process, as they understand cultural contexts and emotional subtleties that machines cannot replicate. He has included clauses in his contracts to ensure that translations are done by humans rather than relying on automated systems. While he acknowledges that not all translations have been successful, he trusts local publishers to make appropriate choices for their markets. The discussion highlights the importance of human insight in translation, particularly for literary works where emotional impact is key.

- Translating fiction requires capturing tone and cultural nuances, not just direct translation.

- The Hungarian title change for Scalzi's book illustrates the importance of local cultural references.

- Human translators are essential for conveying emotional subtleties that machines cannot replicate.

- Scalzi includes clauses in contracts to ensure translations are done by humans.

- Trusting local publishers is crucial for successful title translations in different markets.