Some of the ideas J. Carpenter talks about are familiar—the idea that translation requires creativity but must still convey the same intention as the author. I liked her analogy about translation being like filling in a coloring book: you are given a pre-drawn outline, and your task is simply to fill it in—but there is a lot you can do, like choosing the colors (so long as they fit), and adding small details here and there. I also thought it was interesting that she feels the translator must identify with the target audience just as much as with the author—but this makes sense, considering a translator must consider things like proper nouns and jokes, and whether the intended audience will understand them.
I also loved hearing details about the actual translation process of a novel that Carpenter went through. It was interesting to see the different revisions that took place, the manner in which J. Carpenter and Mizumura collaborated, and the overall dynamic that the two people had as they worked on the translation of A True Novel. It was good to have a reminder that in the real world, translation will be a messy process with much deliberation and revision.
I also want to add, I thought the interviewers also did a great job! 😉
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