Found in translation : delivering accuracy and neutrality is not a metaphor

Abstract

Accuracy and neutrality in translation is the result of a translator’s skill to compensate for the natural losses that occur when attempting to transfer ideas into another language. Consequently, the general perception that the translation process—communicating ideas and creating understanding between people of different languages and cultural background—is a matter of being called bilingual is far from reality. It is also debatable that accuracy and neutrality in translation is just a romantic notion since translators are expected to be mere bridges across cultural communication. Based on factual evidence and expert opinions, we will argue that when faced with translatability challenges in finding equivalents, it is up to the translator to invest their time and effort in learning and developing the necessary skills to choose the most adequate translation method to ultimately attain accuracy and neutrality.