Translation is a text transferred from one language into another. The aim of this process is to exchange experience, information as well as inclusion of the other in a talk or meeting. For ages, translation was the means that brought people closer. It bridged the gap between civilizations and nations of different languages and backgrounds. Knowledge and science flew from one culture to another through the translated works. Interpreters played a crucial role in trade and they were the honest mediators between merchants who speak different languages. They were also the loyal messengers in times of war between the conflicting army leaders.

Thus, throughout history, translators were significant contributors to any culture. Kings and leaders in the past believed in the important role of translation and they took good care of translators. The Arab civilization particularly, in its early stages, gave a special attention to translation from other cultures. Moreover, we cannot but glorify the great work of the translators of the Rosetta stone and all the facts that it unravelled. 

 A good translator should master both language pairs that he works with. He/she must have a good command of the vocabulary and syntax of both languages and should be a keen reader and a curious learner that never gets satisfied of searching for knowledge. He/she should have the courage to admit a mistake or incapability of finding the right word and seek help through a trusted native speaker. Before starting to work in translating a certain topic, a talented and skilful interpreter or translator should read thoroughly in this field and get acquainted with all the jargon and structure of sentences used. Patience and integrity are synonyms of a good translator. He/she owes a lot to the text between their hands.

Nevertheless, we cannot be heedless to the paradox of a translator’s freedom when dealing with any text to be translated. Does the translator have a free will to handle the content according to his own preference or does he have a boundary not to be trespassed? Is the translator liable to manipulate the text or delete or change what he/she regard as offensive or obscene? What is the translator’s reaction when translating a text that contradicts with his/her religious beliefs, political stances or morality? The translator’s mission is to transfer the content from its source to the target language through choosing the right wording and structure. The original text belongs completely to the writer unlike the translated text that partially belongs to the translator who can change, delete or substitute his words to reach a final satisfying product that should not, under any condition, be missing a sentence or more of the original text.

Give the same sentence to three different translators and you will get three different products that are linguistically correct but with each individual’s contribution and spirit. At the end of the day, the sentences are not identical. Yet, they are correct.

What would be the case if a translator decided to delete something that he renders as offensive or non-ethical? This is definitely unacceptable. The translator does not have the right to do this. In very rare cases it is to the discretion of the translator to do so just to rephrase a sentence or find an equivalent in the target language to faithfully translate to a well understood and genuine product. A professional translator or interpreter should stick to the words chosen by the writer. He/she does not have the right to beautify or preach. This is considered dishonesty. A translator has a message to convey between the writer and the reader no matter if it contained insults or sexual nature. It is like tampering with evidence in a police case. The only role of the translator is to add an explanation for the audience to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding. In this case, such a contribution is very much needed and distinguishes a well oriented translator from another. An angry text should be translated in an angry tone and a dialogue should never be substituted with a narrative. A funny comment has to be mirrored with all its humour. Proverbs should be skilfully switched to their equivalent.

How, then, should a translator deal with a text that contradicts with his/her beliefs? Reading the book or text to be translated before agreeing on the job is the first step. Don’t accept a work that you did not read then later on object to its content. Your target is readership not censorship. This is not fair and not professional. Choose what you are confident and willing to translate with passion and efficiency. A word; written or spoken, is a heavy responsibility. The speaker or write confided in the translator and honesty is a must. There is a code of ethics for every profession and translation is a profession and a noble one too.