The controversy surrounding the Swedish translation of Timothy Snyder’s book ”On Tyranny” began when SVT, a Swedish public broadcaster, noticed discrepancies between the original text and its Swedish counterpart. A clause had been added comparing the Nazi perception of the German people as a body to a concept in the book, and the word ”team” had been translated as ”body.” The translator, Margareta Eklöf, working under a pseudonym due to her perceived low quality of the original manuscript, defended the changes. She claimed to have consulted both the Swedish editor and a philosopher hired by Albert Bonniers Förlag, the publishing house, at her request. Eklöf’s stated intention was to clarify what she deemed an ”incomprehensible sentence.” However, Snyder vehemently disagreed, asserting in an email to SVT that the addition of the word ”body” diametrically opposed his intended meaning. Bonniers swiftly responded by announcing a new translation, emphasizing their commitment to the book’s accurate representation and quality.
The incident sparked a wider debate about the role and responsibilities of translators. While the alterations in Snyder’s book were ultimately deemed erroneous, the practice of translators making adjustments isn’t uncommon. Translators often grapple with the delicate balance between preserving the original text’s integrity and ensuring its readability and relevance in the target language. Klara Lindell, a renowned Swedish translator, argues that the focus on errors in translation overlooks the intricacies of the craft. She emphasizes the subjective nature of translation decisions, citing examples where adapting cultural references or clarifying ambiguous phrasing can enhance the reader’s experience. Lindell also points to the varying expectations surrounding translation fidelity, which can depend on factors like genre and authorial prestige. She highlights the need for greater recognition of the translator’s skill and a shift away from a purely error-focused critique.
Erik MacQueen, another experienced translator, echoes Lindell’s sentiments, criticizing the prevalent misunderstanding of the translation process. He stresses that word-for-word translation often fails to capture the essence of the original text, and that adaptation is sometimes necessary to convey the intended meaning to target language readers. MacQueen defends the practice of making alterations, provided the overall message remains intact, drawing on examples from his own work where he adapted cultural references or resolved logical inconsistencies within the text. He also emphasizes the importance of consultation with the author or their agent when significant changes are deemed necessary. Both Lindell and MacQueen agree that open communication between translator and author can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the author’s intent is preserved.
The Snyder incident underscores the importance of clear communication between publishers, translators, and authors. Richard Herold, from Natur & Kultur publishing house, expressed surprise that Snyder hadn’t been consulted about the changes in his book, highlighting the standard practice of involving the author in such decisions. He described the translation process as a collaborative effort aimed at faithfully representing the original text. While publishers diligently review translated texts, they ultimately rely on the translator’s judgment and expertise. This trust is echoed by Håkan Bravinger, the head of Norstedts publishing house, who emphasized the strong relationship between publishers and translators. While contracts stipulate fidelity to the original text, mechanisms exist to address situations requiring deviations, such as contacting the author or agent.
The case also illuminated the diverse approaches to translation across languages and cultures. While Anglo-Saxon cultures may be more accepting of adaptation, other linguistic traditions prioritize strict adherence to the source text. This variation also extends to different literary genres, with more flexibility afforded to popular fiction compared to the exacting standards applied to literary masterpieces or academic works. The debate surrounding Snyder’s book revealed a complex landscape of translation practices, highlighting the nuanced decisions faced by translators and the evolving expectations surrounding their work.
The Timothy Snyder translation controversy, while ultimately resolved with a new translation, serves as a valuable case study in the challenges and complexities of the translation process. It highlights the tension between fidelity to the original text and the need for adaptation to ensure clarity and cultural relevance for the target audience. It also underscores the importance of open communication and collaboration between authors, translators, and publishers to prevent such incidents. Finally, it prompts a broader reflection on the vital role of translators in bridging cultures and facilitating the global exchange of ideas, demanding a more nuanced understanding of their craft beyond simply identifying errors.
