Someone said that books are enjoyed most in their original language.
In my opinion, whoever said that never met a good translator.
As I have mentioned in previous entries of this blog, a good translator must actually ensure there is no evident difference between a piece written in its source language and its translated version.
In fact, the translator’s mission consists in expressing exactly the same ideas as they were originally stated, without losing the author’s intention and perspective, and avoiding any value judgement or personal opinion.
This becomes especially relevant when translating books, as books are filled with stories, characters, personalities and phrases which essence should remain unchanged when it comes to translating them into a different language.
Moreover, it should be said that writers expect their books to overcome cultural and language barriers so that they can be known around the world regardless of their original language.
Since in my past entry I wrote about the top 5 spoken languages in the world (if you have not read it yet, please click here: https://www.tecnitranslations.com/one-world-many-lives-many-languages/?lang=en), this time I have decided to share with you the 5 books that have been translated into more languages in human history.
THE BIBLE
Definitely, I expected that the Bible would certainly reach the top spot in terms of number of translations.
It is believed that the Bible has been translated into 2883 different languages, aside from being the best-selling and most read book in history.
PINOCCHIO
I don’t know about you, but this one really took me by surprise. I would have never imagined that a children story would be listed in the number two spot!
Written by Carlo Collodi in 1883, the story of the wood doll Pinocchio was originally crafted in Italian, and has been translated into 260 languages to date.
THE LITTLE PRINCE
It is said that this book should be read twice, first during childhood and then during adulthood, as its meaning changes over the course of life.
The masterpiece of French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was originally published in French back in 1943, and has been translated into over 250 languages.
THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Written by John Bunyan in England in the XVII century, it tells the story of a pilgrim in his pursuit for redemption, while mixing historical and theological issues.
Even though it is not one of the most popular or well-known novels, The Pilgrim’s Progress has been translated into 200 languages from its source language: English.
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
This book is without a question one of the biggest classics in literature, besides being one of the stories with most film adaptations.
Originally written by Lewis Carroll in English, it has been translated into over 174 languages.
Lastly, I would like to ask you: Which of these books have you read?
I bet at least two out of 5. Not bad at all!
Definitely a good translator can help a writer’s work surpass the barriers of space and time to become a global literary classic over time. That’s why the translation field has such a significant relevance and influence in our daily lives.
DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, SAME STORY — THE MOST TRANSLATED BOOKS WORLDWIDE
Someone said that books are enjoyed most in their original language.
In my opinion, whoever said that never met a good translator.
As I have mentioned in previous entries of this blog, a good translator must actually ensure there is no evident difference between a piece written in its source language and its translated version.
In fact, the translator’s mission consists in expressing exactly the same ideas as they were originally stated, without losing the author’s intention and perspective, and avoiding any value judgement or personal opinion.
This becomes especially relevant when translating books, as books are filled with stories, characters, personalities and phrases which essence should remain unchanged when it comes to translating them into a different language.
Moreover, it should be said that writers expect their books to overcome cultural and language barriers so that they can be known around the world regardless of their original language.
Since in my past entry I wrote about the top 5 spoken languages in the world (if you have not read it yet, please click here: https://www.tecnitranslations.com/one-world-many-lives-many-languages/?lang=en), this time I have decided to share with you the 5 books that have been translated into more languages in human history.
THE BIBLE
Definitely, I expected that the Bible would certainly reach the top spot in terms of number of translations.
It is believed that the Bible has been translated into 2883 different languages, aside from being the best-selling and most read book in history.
PINOCCHIO
I don’t know about you, but this one really took me by surprise. I would have never imagined that a children story would be listed in the number two spot!
Written by Carlo Collodi in 1883, the story of the wood doll Pinocchio was originally crafted in Italian, and has been translated into 260 languages to date.
THE LITTLE PRINCE
It is said that this book should be read twice, first during childhood and then during adulthood, as its meaning changes over the course of life.
The masterpiece of French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was originally published in French back in 1943, and has been translated into over 250 languages.
THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Written by John Bunyan in England in the XVII century, it tells the story of a pilgrim in his pursuit for redemption, while mixing historical and theological issues.
Even though it is not one of the most popular or well-known novels, The Pilgrim’s Progress has been translated into 200 languages from its source language: English.
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
This book is without a question one of the biggest classics in literature, besides being one of the stories with most film adaptations.
Originally written by Lewis Carroll in English, it has been translated into over 174 languages.
Lastly, I would like to ask you: Which of these books have you read?
I bet at least two out of 5. Not bad at all!
Definitely a good translator can help a writer’s work surpass the barriers of space and time to become a global literary classic over time. That’s why the translation field has such a significant relevance and influence in our daily lives.
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