مشاعل الحماد: الصورة المغلوطة عن العرب وراء تخصصي في الترجمة

The specialist in English and American literature, Dr. Mashail Al-Hammad, revealed that there are articles and topics that portray Muslims and Arab culture in a reductive manner filled with stereotypes far from reality. The methodology followed in distorting the meanings of original Arabic texts to align with the views and intellectual orientations of Western translators was behind her specialization in translation and literature, aiming to clarify and correct the distorted images they hold..

• What are the reasons for your choice of English and American literature for translation?

•• My interest in translating English and American literature began purely by chance while preparing my doctoral thesis, even though my academic specialization revolves around 19th-century literature and not translation. Repeated research trips to British libraries and museums led me to discover a new world. I would spend long hours moving between letters, newspapers, and archival documents written in the 19th century that are not accessible digitally, relying on the traditional method of browsing documents page by page. During this arduous research journey, I was struck by many articles and translations that depict Muslims and Arab culture in a reductive manner filled with stereotypes far from reality. What truly astonished me—despite my awareness of the prevalence of these practices during the era of Orientalism at that time—was the methodology used to distort the meanings of original Arabic texts to align with the views and intellectual orientations of Western translators. From here, a passion for translating literature was born in me, not just as a linguistic transfer, but as a means to understand cultures and correct distorted stereotypes.

• What are your most notable works and translations in foreign literature?

•• Given my academic field, my most notable works consist of scientific research published in peer-reviewed academic journals, addressing two main areas: literary translation and transatlantic literature. In the field of literary translation, I delved into the study of the biography of Omar Ibn Said, which is considered the only text written in Arabic within the literature of slavery in America in the early 19th century. I also addressed the autobiography of Emily Ruth, who has Arab origins, and through her writings attempted to counter the stereotype of the Arab woman, although her efforts did not achieve the desired success at that time.

In the field of transatlantic literature, my research focused on the phenomenon of the transfer of literary texts between America and Britain, and how American texts written in English are reinterpreted and read when they move to the British cultural context. I developed studies in this area on the theory of paratext and its impact on understanding the works of prominent American writers such as Walt Whitman, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Fanny Fern. These works reflect my deep interest in the journey of literary texts across different cultures and languages, and the semantic and interpretive transformations they undergo.

In terms of literary translations, I previously published translations of Ernest Hemingway's stories in the Saudi newspaper "Al-Hayat." As a certified translator from the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, I am currently working on several ambitious projects to translate important novels and historical texts that are still in progress, aiming to enrich the Arabic library with global literary works.

• What are the main obstacles facing literary translation?

•• Literary translation faces two main obstacles: the translator themselves and the multiplicity of interpretations of a single literary text. Regarding the translator, it requires more than just proficiency in the source and target languages. A literary translator must be well-versed in the culture and literature of both languages and possess a refined literary taste acquired through deep reading of the outputs of both literatures. They should also be familiar with the historical context and the time period in which the text was produced, in addition to the intellectual currents and literary schools that influenced the original writer. Some words and terms may differ in meaning depending on the time period. For example, the term "Jim Crow" in the 19th century referred to a type of play that humorously depicted the lives of slaves in America, while in the 20th century it came to symbolize laws of racial discrimination between whites and blacks, and in the 21st century, the word has acquired racist connotations that make it more complex. Therefore, success in literary translation requires a balance between linguistic skill and a deep understanding of culture and context, making it an artistic process that transcends mere word-for-word translation to its true meanings.

As for the second obstacle, which is the multiplicity of interpretations, it poses a fundamental challenge in the process of literary translation; the literary text is inherently multi-layered and multi-meaning, carrying implications and shades of meaning that go beyond the direct meaning of the words. When faced with a literary text, the translator finds themselves in front of a complex web of intertwined meanings, cultural references, and symbols that may allow for more than one interpretation. This multiplicity presents a real dilemma: which reading will they adopt? And which interpretation will they favor? A single word in the literary context carries multiple meanings intended by the writer, yet the translator may be forced to choose one meaning in the target language. These difficult choices make literary translation a creative endeavor that requires an exceptional ability to balance the demands of both languages and cultures. Therefore, I believe that translation in general is a skill that can be developed, while literary translation represents a special talent that requires a creative sensibility and artistic vision. Not every translator, no matter how proficient their linguistic skills, can be an outstanding literary translator.

• What is the essential role of the literary translator? Is it merely the transfer of words from one language to another, or is it a re-creation of the original text?

•• The literary translator is not merely a conveyor of words; they are a re-creator of the original text in a new linguistic and cultural environment. They stand in a middle ground between fidelity to the original text and creativity in the target language, striving to create a reading experience parallel to that offered by the original text. The literary translator bears the responsibility of exploring the multiple layers of meaning in the text and reproducing them in a way that allows the reader in the target language to engage with them at the same depth. This requires making crucial decisions about the multiple interpretations, cultural references, and rhetorical images that may not have a direct counterpart in the target language. Given these challenges, the literary translator acts as a cultural mediator, interpreter, and creator. They may sometimes need to adjust certain aspects of the text, not as a violation of fidelity, but as a commitment to a deeper fidelity: conveying the artistic and intellectual essence of the literary work with its full impact and beauty. Thus, the role of the literary translator transcends the mechanical process of word substitution, becoming a unique creative art that requires a special talent and a keen artistic sensibility, alongside a deep knowledge of both languages and their cultures.

• What is the importance of preserving the "spirit" of the original text in literary translation? And how can the translator achieve that?

•• Preserving the "spirit" of the original text is the essence of successful literary translation; the literary text is a complete aesthetic and intellectual experience that carries the author's imprint and vision of the world, and losing this spirit reduces it to a mere linguistic structure devoid of its unique impact. The importance of this aspect lies in respecting the work's uniqueness and artistic identity, conveying the entire aesthetic experience, and providing an accurate representation of the source culture. To achieve this, the translator needs a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of the text, an awareness of the author's personal style, and an attempt to mimic it in the target language, while carefully balancing between literal translation and necessary adaptation to maintain the same impact. They must also preserve the tone and rhythm of the text, respect the spaces of silence and gaps that form part of its structure, alongside careful and repeated reading of the original text to grasp its various layers of meaning. Through these methods, the translator can present a text that not only conveys meanings and ideas but also transmits the entire literary experience, allowing the new reader to engage with the text as if they were reading it in its original language, thus achieving the ultimate goal of literary translation.

• What are the most difficult literary genres to translate? And why? For example; poetry, drama, artistic prose.

•• Poetry stands at the top of the most challenging literary genres to translate, as its essence relies on characteristics inherent in the language itself, such as rhythm, meter, rhyme, and sound quality. This dilemma is particularly exacerbated in poetry, where levels of meaning intertwine with rhythm, rhetorical images, and symbolism. The poet invests the uniqueness of their language, its structures, and rhythms, playing on the cultural implications that may not have a direct counterpart in the target language. The density of poetic language and the multiplicity of levels of meaning within it, relying more on suggestion than on explicitness, sometimes makes it impossible to fully convey the poetic experience into another language. Additionally, the connection of poetry to specific rhetorical forms and poetic traditions unique to each culture may not have equivalents in other cultures. Here, the literary translator faces two difficult choices: either preserve the original meaning at the expense of formal aesthetics, or maintain the rhythm and poetic sound at the cost of some shades of meaning. Translating a poem that relies on puns or double meanings in its original language may completely lose its impact when translated literally, while attempting to create a parallel effect in the target language may lead to straying from the original text. This difficult equation is what makes translating poetry, in particular, a unique art that requires a translator who possesses the spirit of the poet, the sensitivity of a critic, and the fidelity of a researcher, capable of balancing the demands of faithful meaning transfer and the necessities of creativity in the target language. Therefore, we find that the best poetry translators are often poets themselves, possessing the ability to recreate the poetic experience rather than merely transferring its words, thus achieving a delicate balance between fidelity to the original text and aesthetic impact in the new language.

• What are the essential skills that a successful literary translator should possess?

•• Success in the field of literary translation requires a comprehensive set of linguistic, cultural, and creative skills that enable the translator to bridge the gap between two different languages and cultures. The first of these skills is a deep mastery of both the source and target languages, going beyond superficial knowledge to an understanding of the nuances of the language, its shades, and its various levels, from formal language to colloquial, specialized terminology, and figurative expressions. Literary sensitivity ranks high among the necessary skills, as the translator needs a refined literary taste that enables them to sense the aesthetics of the text and its stylistic features, and recreate them in the target language. This sensitivity requires extensive reading in various types of literature and a deep understanding of literary currents and artistic schools. Deep cultural knowledge of both cultures forms another essential pillar, enabling the translator to understand the cultural references and symbols embedded in the original text and find equivalents in the target culture. This knowledge includes history, myths, traditions, social norms, and religious and political references. Additionally, creative flexibility represents a pivotal skill that allows the translator to navigate freely between different translation strategies, from literal to free, according to what the text requires. This flexibility enables them to deal with the specific challenges of each literary genre, whether poetry, novels, or plays. Furthermore, the ability to research and investigate is an indispensable skill, as the literary translator constantly needs to verify terminology and historical and cultural references, exploring the backgrounds and contexts of the text. This skill requires patience, precision, and a scientific methodology in dealing with sources. Finally, self-review and editing skills enable the translator to objectively evaluate their work and continuously improve it. This skill requires critical thinking and the ability to move beyond emotional attachment to initial formulations, being open to feedback from others. These skills integrate to shape the character of the successful literary translator, who stands at the intersection of two cultures, moving smoothly between them, carrying with them the treasures of one to the other, achieving genuine communication between peoples through the solid bridge of literature.

• Should the literary translator have a deep understanding of the culture and language of the original text? And how does this affect the quality of the translation?

•• Yes, the literary translator should have a deep understanding of the culture and language of the original text, as this significantly affects the quality of the translation. A deep understanding of the culture helps the translator capture implicit meanings that may not translate literally, reflecting the nuances of literary expression. For example, some phrases may carry specific cultural or historical connotations, and may have a significant impact on the complete understanding of the text. Familiarity with the historical and social context of the text enhances the accuracy of interpreting characters and events, contributing to better processing of the text. A translator who understands the cultural background of the writer can recognize the intellectual influences and emotions that may be present in the text, enabling them to convey these emotions accurately into the target language. Additionally, deep cultural knowledge prevents the translator from making mistakes related to cultural sensitivity. In some cases, poorly considered translations may lead to the use of expressions or terms that could be offensive or inappropriate for the target audience. For example, there may be terms that carry negative connotations in a particular culture, so awareness of these matters helps avoid mistakes that could affect the reputation of the literary work. Thus, the more knowledgeable the translator is about the language and culture of the original text, the more accurate and profound the translation will be. This comprehensive understanding enhances the literary experience for the reader, allowing them to grasp the original meanings and subtle details that superficial translations may miss. Literary translation is not merely a linguistic process; it is an art that requires creative sensibility and a deep understanding of different cultures, making it essential for the translator to be more than just a conveyor of words.

• What is your opinion on literal translation versus free translation in the literary context? And when can each be used?

•• The preference between literal translation and free translation represents a fundamental challenge faced by the literary translator in their quest to transfer the text from one culture to another. This issue arises from the nature of literature itself, which transcends mere information transfer to create a complete aesthetic experience, relying on inherent characteristics in the language such as rhythm, rhetorical images, cultural implications, and emotional shades. Literal translation in the literary context seeks to adhere to the original text, preserving its structure, images, metaphors, and rhythm as much as possible. Its legitimacy stems from fidelity to the original author's artistic vision and stylistic uniqueness, allowing the reader to familiarize themselves with literary worlds and expressive styles that may be foreign to their local literary traditions. However, this approach may lead to literary texts that lack fluency and impact in the target language, and may fail to convey the literary and poetic magic of the original text, especially when the aesthetics of the literary work depend on unique linguistic and cultural characteristics. Conversely, free translation grants the translator space for creative maneuvering, rephrasing the text according to the spirit of the target language and its literary conventions. This approach focuses on conveying the aesthetic experience and emotional impact of the literary work, seeking artistic equivalents in the target language that evoke a similar effect in the reader as the original text. This approach produces more vibrant and impactful literary texts in their new culture, but it may stray from the spirit of the original text and its stylistic uniqueness, or impose meanings and shades that the author did not intend.

With literary symbols and poetic structures, the translator can adopt a domestication strategy that tends toward free translation, rephrasing poetic images, rhythms, and meters to suit the literary traditions of the target language. An English poem with a specific rhythm and rhyme may require radical adjustments to fit the Arabic taste, and a metaphor derived from northern nature may need an equivalent that carries the same connotation in the Arab context. This approach ensures the fluency of the text and its aesthetic impact, preserving its function as a literary work capable of evoking pleasure and contemplation. However, with cultural symbols and civilizational references, it is preferable to adopt a foreignization approach that leans toward literal translation, as the translator preserves the cultural specificity of the original text's elements. Customs, traditions, rituals, occasions, foods, clothing, and historical references form elements that shape the cultural identity of the text, and faithfully conveying them enhances the function of translation as a bridge between cultures. If the goal of literary translation is to be a true cultural bridge, the translator must consider this delicate balance between bringing the literary work closer to the reader and preserving its cultural specificity. Ultimately, successful literary translation remains an art that combines fidelity and creativity, moving flexibly between literalness and freedom, taking from each approach what suits the nature of the text and its various elements, and recognizing that its ultimate goal is not merely to transfer words from one language to another, but to create an authentic literary experience that preserves the spirit and impact of the original text, opening a genuine window for the reader onto a different culture.

• How does cultural and social context affect the process of literary translation?

•• Cultural and social context plays a pivotal role in the process of literary translation, transcending the literal transfer of words to grasp the deep layers of meaning embedded in the text. The translator faces the challenge of decoding the symbols and cultural references that permeate the literary work, which may carry connotations far removed from the direct dictionary meanings. The importance of this context is evident in understanding the historical references, literary allusions, and proverbs that reflect the spirit of the culture that produced the text. A simple phrase may carry a vast cultural accumulation behind it, requiring the translator to have a deep familiarity with the history of the culture and its symbolic vocabulary. Social context also influences the shaping of characters and their interactions within the literary work, as social class, economic background, and political orientations play a role in defining the characters' traits and behaviors. Understanding these factors allows the translator to convey the subtle shades of meaning and grants them the ability to reproduce the text with its depth and implications. Awareness of the cultural context protects the translator from falling into the trap of using expressions that may carry negative connotations in the target culture, or that may be inappropriate or offensive. This awareness may also require adjustments in style or linguistic structure to bridge the gaps between the two cultures while preserving the spirit and essence of the original text. Thus, literary translation transforms into a creative process that requires high skill in navigating between two cultural worlds, creating a text that maintains the authenticity of the original work and communicates effectively with the reader in the target culture.

• What is the importance of review and editing in the process of literary translation?

•• Review and editing are two fundamental pillars in the process of literary translation, ensuring that the translated text reaches a level that matches the original work in its impact and beauty. The aim of review is to verify the accuracy of meaning transfer and to maintain the spirit of the original text and its semantic dimensions, while editing focuses on improving style, refining language, and ensuring the fluency and appeal of the text to the reader. The importance of review lies in uncovering deviations from the original meaning and inconsistencies in terminology and style, requiring careful reading that compares the original text with the translation. Editing treats the translated text as an independent literary work that needs refinement and revision to align with the rules of the target language and its literary taste. The importance of these two processes in literary translation increases due to its complex nature and its connection to cultural and historical contexts. The reviewer verifies the integrity of cultural references and historical allusions, while the editor strives to make the text compatible with the expectations of the reader in the target culture. Review and editing represent a link between the translator and the reader, ensuring that the literary work reaches them with fidelity and beauty that preserves its artistic value and emotional impact, making them indispensable elements in producing successful literary translations.

• Do you think that artificial intelligence can replace the literary translator in the future? And why?

•• Despite the remarkable advances in artificial intelligence technologies and its increasing ability to process natural languages, I believe that completely replacing the human literary translator remains a distant goal in the near future. Current AI models can provide valuable assistance to translators by producing initial drafts and understanding some simple rhetorical structures, but they lack the ability to comprehend the deep layers of cultural and historical context that shape literary work. Literary translation is not merely about substituting words for others; it is a re-creation of the text that requires a deep understanding of cultural and emotional implications and shades. The human translator relies on their life experience, literary taste, and deep understanding of the contexts that produced the text, investing their personal experiences in exploring its emotional and psychological dimensions. The limitations of artificial intelligence become particularly evident in translating poetry, which relies on the condensation of language, its implications, and its internal music, and in grasping the complex cultural references that form the fabric of literary work. AI, despite its ability to process vast amounts of data, still lacks the deep experiential understanding of the human condition and the complex human experiences that form the essence of literature. However, considering that AI is a continuously evolving learning platform, its capabilities may improve in the distant future. The more likely future is a collaborative model, where AI serves as a powerful assisting tool for the human translator, providing them with initial translations and multiple alternatives, while the human spirit and its life experiences remain a crucial element in literary translation that is difficult to replicate fully.