Translation in literature: the importance of the translator's competence to convey the author's view

Abstract

The following thesis states the importance of high quality translation, and the ability of the translator to express the author’s intention in the literary field. The first chapter will focus on the background of translation studies theories, providing a definition of what a translation is and what are the main tasks of the translator based on the studies by Walter Benjamin in ‘The Task of the Translator’. Furthermore, the focus will be on the translation into the second language with its acquisition theory and models. The second chapter will focus on an interview with an English author and its translator in order to discuss the development of a translation, in this case a novel translated into Italian and German, by a professional translator in the literature field. The third chapter will analyze the previous, highlighting the theories and strategies the translator uses in order to maintain the original theme and idea of the novel, especially concerning the English-Italian aspects. To conclude, the thesis will summarize the main features and issues of the translating activity and its originality following the ‘new’ text achieved.