1. Transfer and Transportation:
* "Carrying across": This is a fundamental concept, emphasizing the movement of meaning from one language to another. Think of metaphors like "bridging languages" or "carrying a message across the river."
* "Transporting goods": This metaphor implies a focus on fidelity and accuracy, as if the translator were a carrier delivering a package intact.
2. Transformation and Change:
* "Re-shaping": Translation is seen as a process of adapting the source text to a new form, akin to a sculptor working with clay.
* "Transfiguration": This metaphor evokes a more mystical understanding, suggesting that translation involves a change in essence, a transformation from one language to another.
3. Artistic Creation:
* "Painting": Translation is envisioned as a creative act, where the translator applies their skill and artistry to render a new image, like a painter recreating a scene.
* "Musical composition": This metaphor highlights the ability to create a new "melody" while staying true to the original "score," emphasizing both fidelity and creative expression.
4. Limited Communication:
* "Whispering": Early metaphors often depict translation as a process of conveying a limited amount of information, like a whisper carrying only a fraction of the original message.
* "Shadow": This metaphor conveys the idea of an imperfect reflection, where the translation is a pale imitation of the original.
Shared Traits:
* Focus on the Material: Early metaphors often emphasize the physical aspects of translation, such as the movement of words or the transfer of meaning.
* Limited Scope: They frequently highlight the limitations of translation, suggesting that it can never fully capture the essence of the original text.
* Emphasis on the Translator's Role: These metaphors place the translator at the center of the process, emphasizing their skills and artistry.
It's important to remember that these metaphors are not exhaustive, and there are many others that could be included. However, these common themes offer insights into the evolving understanding of translation throughout history.