'번역의 힘', 넘을 수 없다던 노벨상 언어의 장벽을 허물다 / JTBC 뉴스룸

Summary

The video discusses the challenges faced by Korean authors in achieving recognition, particularly due to translation issues. This time, however, the translation of Han Kang's works has been praised for its precision and ability to convey the original text's essence. The translator, Deborah Smith, began learning Korean in 2010 and has been recognized for her nuanced translations, maintaining the delicate tone and structure of the original. Her work on 'The Vegetarian' has been highlighted for preserving the narrative flow, demonstrating the importance of effective translation in showcasing Korean literature to a global audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The issue of translation quality has been a recurring theme, particularly when works by Korean authors fail to win prestigious awards.
• 😀 Han Kang's novels have been successfully translated, maintaining the integrity of the original content without loss.
• 😀 The translation of Han Kang's 'The Vegetarian' was praised for preserving its thematic depth, as reported by the New York Times in 2016.
• 😀 The translator, Deborah Smith, is from the UK and studied English literature at Cambridge University.
• 😀 Smith self-studied Korean starting in 2010, highlighting her dedication to understanding Korean literature.
• 😀 'The Vegetarian' is significant in Korean literature, contributing to a greater appreciation of the genre.
• 😀 Deborah Smith and Han Kang were jointly awarded the prestigious Booker Prize in 2016 for their collaboration.
• 😀 Smith's translations are noted for their subtlety, capturing the essence and stylistic nuances of the original texts.
• 😀 In other works like 'Boys Come,' Smith sometimes uses the original Korean text directly while also adapting parts of it for clarity.
• 😀 The importance of tone, voice, and texture in translation is emphasized, showcasing the translator's role in conveying the author's intent.

Q & A

What has been a recurring issue for Korean authors in international awards?

The recurring issue has been the translation of their works, specifically the challenge of conveying the full meaning and essence of the original Korean texts into English.

How does the translation of Han Kang's works differ this time?

This time, the translations of Han Kang's novels reportedly retained every word without losing any essence, resulting in a more faithful representation of the original text.

Which specific work of Han Kang was mentioned in the transcript?

The specific work mentioned is 'The Vegetarian,' which was noted for maintaining the integrity of its exploration in English translation.

Who is the translator of Han Kang's works, and what is her background?

The translator is Deborah Smith, a British translator who studied English literature at Cambridge University and began self-studying Korean in 2010.

What recognition did Deborah Smith achieve in 2016?

In 2016, Deborah Smith, along with Han Kang, received the prestigious Booker International Prize for their collaborative work.

What is said about the quality of Smith's translations?

Deborah Smith's translations have been praised for capturing the delicate writing style of the original works, providing an authentic and sharp English representation.

What unique approach did Smith take in translating other works?

In her translations, Smith sometimes used the original Korean phrases directly while also incorporating sharp vocabulary choices to clearly convey the author's thoughts.

Why is tone considered important in translation according to Smith?

Smith believes that tone is crucial because it reflects the author's voice and texture, which are essential for conveying the work's emotional depth.

What was the overall sentiment of the news report regarding the translation efforts?

The overall sentiment was positive, highlighting the success of the translation efforts and the significance of maintaining the integrity of Korean literature in English-speaking contexts.

What is the concluding statement about the news program?

The concluding statement expresses gratitude to the viewers for watching JTBC News and mentions the next news segment scheduled at 6:50 PM.