J.Carpenter Reading (Racky)

 In J.Carpenter's reading, there are numerous curious stories. I was impressed by how she began to have an interest in translation. She received a different impression from the same novel because how the author translates his/her text is different from other translators. Eventually, these differences in translation determine if one translation is better than another one. In the reading, she was intrigued by the translation of spirit. "ドキドキ" and "ワクワク" are one of the examples. Both mean exciting; however, there are slight differences in terms of the impression people receive. "ワクワク" is merely excitement about something that has not happened but going to happen soon. "ドキドキ" often means exciting but also means nervous. When you are receiving a college decision, you feel "ドキドキ." There are many words that do not have specific differences in meaning if it is English, but there is a difference in Japanese. 

Another point she makes in the text is that the translators are required to understand all details, such as the way characters talk, behave, and think. Because of language differences between Japanese and English, some conversations make sense in Japanese but do not in English. Therefore, translators are also required to understand what words or grammar should be used to correctly convey true meaning to readers. In this process, consulting with the author is the most critical step because the translator's job is to correctly tell the true meaning and situation in the text.

The interview with Carpenter describes how important it is to talk to the original writer when translating. At one point, Carpenter stayed with Mizumura in Karuizawa to work on translation together. Collaborating with the original writer and making sure the translator's understanding is correct is essential in not misunderstanding the text.