In Germany, almost one of two fiction books are translations from another language. Given this, people working in this field provide for a vast body of publications and bear a lot of responsibility. But what’s the nature of translating? Is it a detailed transcription –– word by word –– or is it the creation of something completely new?
While translators in literature are generally seen as creative authors, technical and academic translators supposedly aim for precision and clarity. Yet, even those have to select between alternate wordings and make choices following their individual experiences and their own grasp on language.