Timothy Snyder’s latest book, ”On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” a concise and impactful exploration of the fragility of freedom and the insidious rise of authoritarianism, recently debuted its Swedish translation. However, the translation has become embroiled in controversy following revelations by Sveriges Television (SVT), Sweden’s public broadcaster, regarding mistranslations and the unauthorized insertion of a clause about Nazism. This incident raises fundamental questions about the translator’s role, the integrity of the translation process, and the potential impact on the author’s intended meaning and the reader’s understanding. It also highlights the ethical responsibilities inherent in the act of translation, especially when dealing with sensitive historical and political themes.
The controversy centers on several key alterations uncovered by SVT. These include the mistranslation of words, impacting the nuance and precision of Snyder’s original text, and the more egregious addition of a clause concerning Nazism, a topic not present in the original English version. The inclusion of this new clause significantly alters the context and potentially misrepresents Snyder’s argument. Initially, SVT reported that these changes were initiated by the translator, purportedly to clarify Snyder’s meaning, and were undertaken with the knowledge and consent of Albert Bonniers Förlag, the Swedish publishing house. This explanation suggests a collaborative effort between the translator and publisher, raising concerns about editorial oversight and the potential for misinterpretations to be introduced into the final product.
However, the publisher’s subsequent response added a layer of complexity to the situation. In a public statement, Bonniers Förlag expressed serious concern over the allegations presented by SVT and announced their intention to conduct a thorough review of the translated text to ensure its fidelity to the original. The publisher’s reaction distances them from the earlier explanation of a collaborative effort, suggesting a potential disconnect between the translator’s actions and the publisher’s understanding of those actions. This raises questions about the communication and approval processes within the publishing house and the extent to which the translated manuscript was vetted before publication.
Further complicating the issue is the translator’s use of a pseudonym. While the publisher initially identified the translator by name, the published book credits a pseudonym. The translator, in communication with SVT, explained that the pseudonym was adopted to shield their reputation from association with what they considered a ”bad book.” This statement reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the final product, suggesting potential disagreements or compromises made during the translation process that impacted the quality of the translation. It also raises questions about the nature of those disagreements and the extent to which the translator’s concerns were addressed by the publisher.
The controversy surrounding the Swedish translation of ”On Tyranny” underscores the crucial role of translators as intermediaries between authors and readers. Translators are entrusted with conveying not just the literal words but also the nuances, tone, and intent of the original text. This requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as sensitivity to the cultural and historical context of the work. Deviations from the original, especially those that introduce new meanings or interpretations, can significantly distort the author’s message and mislead the reader.
In this specific case, the mistranslations and unauthorized additions raise concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the Swedish version of ”On Tyranny.” The translator’s decision to use a pseudonym and their expressed dissatisfaction with the final product further cast doubt on the integrity of the translation process. The publisher’s response, while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, does little to clarify the circumstances surrounding the changes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous editorial oversight in the publishing industry and the need for clear communication and collaboration between translators, publishers, and authors to ensure the accurate and faithful representation of a work in translation. The ultimate concern is the potential impact on readers, who rely on the integrity of translations to access and understand works from other languages and cultures. This incident highlights the vulnerability of translated texts and the potential for misinterpretations to arise when the translation process is compromised.
