Abstract:
This dissertation presents an empirical study of prefaces to literary translations
and the role they play, and argues that a translation without a preface ought to be a
thing of the past. An examination of a corpus of over 800 contemporary fictional
works by major writers that have been translated into English from the principal
world languages reveals that only twenty per cent include prefaces. Of these, only
half, or ten per cent of the total number of books, actually discuss the translation or
provide information about the source culture that might be unknown to the target
audience. Translators are in a unique position to act as ambassadors between cultures
because they have knowledge and understanding of both the source and target cultures
of the works they have translated. Their prefaces are an excellent locus for
disseminating their understanding to readers who may have preconceived and
unrealistic perceptions or very little knowledge of the source culture. Furthermore,
prefaces contribute to the visibility of the translator and his or her activity. Through
an analysis of the contents of those prefaces that refer to the act of translation or the
source culture, this study identifies the main functions served by the topics discussed
by the translators and determines that the most predominant function is the promotion
of understanding between cultures. The next most served function is that of promoting
understanding of the translator’s role and intervention in the text. Although
translators’ prefaces are relatively uncommon today, they have an important role to
play as the voice of the translator—the key figure in promoting better understanding
among peoples and nations.