Being Creative in Literary Translation: A Practical Experience

This contribution focuses on the implications of creative processes with respect to translation. Translation offers, indeed, a great ambiguity as far as creativity is concerned. This paper explores by means of practical examples and professional experiences how translators relate to the creative act that comes with translating. Being in touch with one’s inner self, recognizing that the translation process cannot be left untouched by one’s own imagery and being aware of the act of choice that comes with every written sentence can help translators find their own creative voices. The combination of an awareness that allows translators to listen and be respectful of the author’s style and a deep sense of one’s creative possibilities can lead to a comprehensive creative act that includes the author, the translator and the readers.