John Minford (translator)

TL;DR

John discusses his experience as a translator and the importance of translational history in supporting the field.

Transcript

John welcome tell us what do you do these days I'm translating a very old Chinese classic call the daodejing which is all about a very old Chinese tradition of Taoism and meditation and stuff like that and I've almost finished I've been working for about four or five years oh really hmm so you finished the I Ching it's a book that lies behind a lot... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ John's experience as a translator highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in developing skills in translation.
• ❓ Translation is not always recognized as a valuable and skilled profession within academia and by authorities.
• 🏑 Translational history, including studying the individual stories and experiences of translators, can provide valuable insights into the field.
• 🤔 Translation can serve as a highly educational and beneficial activity, training the mind in problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• 🎓 The traditional practice of translation as a part of language learning should be reintroduced and valued in modern education.
• 👨‍🔬 There is a need for more research and knowledge in the field of translation, particularly in translational history and the individual experiences of translators.
• 👨‍🔬 Translators should be recognized for their research, intelligence, and creativity in producing accurate and meaningful translations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you explain the process of translating the daodejing and what factors influenced your translation?

John explains that he worked closely with a professor who served as his mentor, providing guidance and mentorship throughout the translation process. He carefully studied the professor's translations to learn his style and approach to translation.

Q: Did you face any challenges while translating the daodejing? If so, how did you overcome them?

John mentions that translating a text from a different time period and cultural context presented some challenges. However, with the guidance and support of his mentor, he was able to navigate these challenges and create an accurate and meaningful translation.

Q: How do you view the relationship between translation and academia, especially considering your own experiences in academia?

John briefly discusses his own academic journey, including dropping out and later returning to academia. He acknowledges that translation is not always given the same level of recognition and respect within academic institutions, but emphasizes the importance of translation as a highly developed skill that requires research, intelligence, and creativity.

Q: Is there a translation culture in Australia? How is translation viewed and treated within the country?

John expresses his belief that there is a lack of a translation culture in Australia, and that translation is not always taken seriously or treated with the respect it deserves. He highlights an incident where his translation received a low rating from the Australian Government Department of Education, despite winning an award, which demonstrates the authorities' lack of appreciation for translation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John is currently translating an ancient Chinese classic called the daodejing, focusing on Taoism and meditation.

• He has been working on this translation for about four to five years and is almost finished.

• John is now working at the University of Melbourne, teaching Chinese students about translation and exploring new ideas in the field.