QUESTION: Translation: how to choose an approach to translating literary texts?

Choosing the optimal approach to translating literary texts is a complex creative task that requires a balance between the letter of the original and the spirit of the target culture. When dealing with translation, it is always useful to start with a detailed study of the context: research the era in which the original was created, the author's cultural background, the literary genre of the work, and the pragmatic goal of the translation. Then, pay attention to the author's key motifs, idioms, and stylistic devices—this helps you read the source text more deeply and find adequate equivalents in your native language.

To create a high-quality literary translation, a translator needs to follow methodological steps.

The art of translation lies in the ability to make a conscious choice between literal reproduction and free interpretation depending on the given task. Comparing several existing translation options of the same classical work allows you to see different facets of the original and develop your own translating style. Such a thoughtful approach guarantees the preservation of the unique authorial voice when transferring the text into a different linguistic space.