ChatGPT能准确翻译韩国文学吗? | 一探究竟Cover To Cover Podcast
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Sora Kim-Russell: A Literary Translator
- Sora's Journey into Translation
- The Fascination with Translation as a Form of Writing
- Challenges Faced by Translators: Low Pay and Lack of Recognition
- The Rising Interest in Korean Literature Translation
- The Impact of AI on Translation: The Case of the LTI Korea Translation Award
- Evaluating Translations Assisted by AI: Navigating the Quality and Accuracy
- The Tendency of Korean to English Translations to Veer Abstract and Indirect
- Choosing and Translating Idiosyncratic Elements of Korean Literature
- Translating the Works of Hwang Sok-yong and Pyun Hye-young
- Upcoming Translations: "Mater 2-10" by Hwang Sok-yong and "The Owl Cries" by Pyun Hye-young
- Recommended Books by Sora Kim-Russell
- Conclusion
Sora Kim-Russell: A Literary Translator
Sora Kim-Russell is a renowned literary translator from California, currently residing in Seoul. With an M.A. in East Asian Studies from Stanford University, Sora has translated numerous prominent Korean writers, including Hwang Sok-yong, Pyun Hye-young, and Jeon Sung-tae. Her exceptional work was recognized when she was longlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2019 for her translation of Hwang Sok-yong's "At Dusk" ("해질무렵"). Sora has also taught courses in translation at Ewha Woman's University and the Literature Translation Institute Korea. Her passion for translation and dedication to maintaining a consistent voice for the authors she works with have made her a highly respected figure in the translation community.
Sora's Journey into Translation
Sora's journey into translation began during her university years, where she studied Korean. Afterward, she worked for a Korean Studies journal in Seoul, editing translations. It was during this time that she won the Korea Times literature translation contest in 2005 in the poetry category. In 2007, she further established her translation skills by winning the LTI Korea contest for new translators. Sora's interest in translation stemmed from her fascination with it as a form of writing. Initially, she saw translation as a way to expand her writing skills and learn more about the craft. However, she soon discovered that translation itself was a genre and mode of writing that captured her Attention. The constraints and rules of translation, coupled with the freedom for creativity and play, reminded her of certain forms of poetry. This tension between constraints and play became a driving force in Sora's decision to pursue translation.
The Fascination with Translation as a Form of Writing
For Sora, translation goes beyond being a mere linguistic task. It is a form of writing that requires creativity and skill. The constraints imposed by the original text provide a framework within which the translator can explore the boundaries of language. Sora finds joy in molding words and rearranging them until they strike the right Chord for her. Additionally, as a Writer herself, Sora appreciates how translation provides a ready-made structure, alleviating her struggles with structuring her own writing. With translation, she can focus on the creative aspects of playing with words and finding the right expression to Evoke the intended meaning. The collaboration between constraints and play in translation mirrors the artistic tension found in certain forms of poetry, which Sora finds deeply satisfying.
Challenges Faced by Translators: Low Pay and Lack of Recognition
Despite the love and passion Sora has for translation, there are challenges that translators face. One critical issue is the disparity in pay that translators receive. Ironically, the longer a translator works in the field, the lower their pay tends to be. Translation rates have not kept up with the rising costs of living or the translators' growing experience. This discrepancy has led to frustration among translators who feel undervalued for their work. The lack of fair compensation becomes more evident when translators compare the number of hours they put into a project with the pay they receive. It is a challenging aspect of the profession that compromises translators' ability to sustain themselves financially. While the love for literature and working with writers keep Sora motivated, the practical aspect of earning a living poses a significant concern.
The Rising Interest in Korean Literature Translation
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in translating Korean literature into other languages. The reasons behind this heightened interest are multifaceted and complex. Factors such as the rising popularity of K-pop, Korean cinema, and Korean TV shows have contributed to cultural export and increased exposure to Korean culture. However, literature operates on a different timeline compared to other cultural spheres. Books take longer to reach the market, making it challenging to directly measure the influence of other cultural exports on the interest in Korean literature translation. Another key factor in the growing demand for translations is the support from government grants. The financial assistance provided to publishers outside of Korea reduces the risk involved in taking on Korean literature, making it more appealing to publish translated works. This combination of cultural influence and financial support has enhanced the visibility and demand for Korean literature in translation.
The Impact of AI on Translation: The Case of the LTI Korea Translation Award
The growing interest in translation, especially for Korean works, has introduced new challenges and controversies. In the case of the LTI Korea Translation Award, the use of AI in translation led to concerns and revisions in the award's regulations. The incident involved a Japanese winner who allegedly used a popular Korean translation app called Papago. The controversy raised questions about the use of AI and its role in translation competitions. The primary concern was how to detect and police the use of machine translation. Sora expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures. While the use of AI can assist in translation, evaluating the quality and accuracy remains a challenge. Sora emphasized the importance of accuracy and the need for translators to closely examine the translations produced with the help of AI.
Evaluating Translations Assisted by AI: Navigating the Quality and Accuracy
If faced with the task of evaluating translations that utilized AI assistance, Sora emphasized the need to scrutinize the accuracy of the translations. The evaluation would involve determining the extent to which the translator relied on AI as a shortcut or complemented it with their own understanding of the original text. The accuracy would be a crucial factor in assessing the quality of the translation. Sora expressed doubts about the ability of AI to produce reliably accurate translations, particularly when dealing with languages as distinct as Korean and English. The cultural nuances and linguistic gaps pose challenges that would be difficult for AI to overcome. While AI-assisted translations may seem polished, it is essential to ensure that they capture the true essence and intention of the original text.
The Tendency of Korean to English Translations to Veer Abstract and Indirect
Korean and English are vastly different languages, and this contrast poses unique challenges for translators. The tendency of Korean to be more noun-heavy can result in translations that feel abstract and lack the vibrant action-centered language found in English. Literal translations that adhere strictly to Korean sentence structures can sometimes lead to flat or awkward-sounding English translations. To address this, translators must edit and revise the translations, focusing on capturing the style and engagement of the original text. Translators must strike a balance between adhering to the original meaning and making the text come alive in the target language. It is a delicate art that requires careful consideration of the cultural and stylistic differences between the two languages.
Choosing and Translating Idiosyncratic Elements of Korean Literature
When selecting works to translate, Sora emphasizes the importance of personal connection with the text. The opening lines play a significant role in capturing her attention and determining whether she can envision the translation taking Shape in her mind. Additionally, Sora listens for the voice of the Narrator and aims to hear it in English from the beginning. This connection and visualization guide her decision-making process. Idiosyncratic elements specific to Korean literature, such as idioms and cultural nuances, present challenges in translation. Translators must determine whether to maintain the idioms' meaning, find equivalent idioms in English, or adapt the idioms to ensure reader comprehension. There is also the consideration of wordplay, which might require inventive solutions to capture the original intent. Sora emphasizes the need for revising and editing to ensure translations retain the author's voice while appealing to the target language readers.
Translating the Works of Hwang Sok-yong and Pyun Hye-young
Sora frequently collaborates with specific authors, such as Hwang Sok-yong and Pyun Hye-young. These authors prefer to work with the same translator consistently, maintaining a consistent voice across their works. Hwang Sok-yong's agent and Pyun Hye-young herself express a desire for consistency in translations of their works. Sora's motivation to Continue working with these authors Stems from her genuine interest in their works and her appreciation for the relationship they have developed over time. The connection between translator and author enhances the translation process and allows Sora to stay engaged and motivated. Furthermore, the themes and narratives explored in the works of Hwang Sok-yong and Pyun Hye-young resonate with Sora, making their collaborations particularly fulfilling.
Upcoming Translations: "Mater 2-10" by Hwang Sok-yong and "The Owl Cries" by Pyun Hye-young
Sora has two translations scheduled for publication later in the year. "Mater 2-10" by Hwang Sok-yong explores the story of three generations of rail workers in Korea against the backdrop of industrialization and the labor movement. This epic Novel delves into historical events and sheds light on the communist movement in Korea, which is often overlooked. Sora co-translated this work with Youngjae Josephine Bae. The Second upcoming translation is "The Owl Cries" by Pyun Hye-young. The novel focuses on a man's search for his missing brother in a remote mountain village, unraveling secrets and exploring themes of abuse, sibling rivalry, toxic masculinity, and alcoholism. Sora is currently in the editing phase of this translation, delving into the intricacies of Pyun Hye-young's profound narrative.
Recommended Books by Sora Kim-Russell
Sora Kim-Russell recommends several books to readers. She suggests "The Actor's Nightmare" by Christopher Durang, a comedy inspired by the dreams of actors and actresses, particularly when they forget their lines. Another recommendation is "The Secret of the Blue Apple" by Armand, a fantasy novel set in Mangwon-dong, where a student encounters vampires and discovers secrets in the western forest. Sora also suggests "The Martian" by Andy Weir, a science fiction novel that was adapted into a popular film. She finds it enjoyable and encourages readers to give it a try. Additionally, Sora recommends "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F---" by Mark Manson, a book that offers a refreshing and casual perspective on life and self-improvement. These recommendations provide a glimpse into Sora's diverse reading interests and showcase her appreciation for different genres.
Conclusion
Sora Kim-Russell's journey into translation, her passion for the craft, and her dedication to maintaining the voice of the authors she works with have made her a respected figure in the literary translation community. Despite the challenges faced by translators, such as low pay and the lack of recognition, Sora continues to be motivated by her love for literature and her relationships with specific writers. The rising interest in Korean literature translation and the impact of AI on the translation industry present both opportunities and challenges. Sora's insights shed light on the complexities of translation and the importance of capturing the nuances and voices of diverse cultures. As Sora looks forward to upcoming translations and introduces readers to her recommended books, her expertise and passion continue to shape the landscape of literary translation.