1. Neutrality and Accuracy: The lens is clear and undistorted, suggesting that the translator strives to remain neutral and accurately convey the meaning of the source text without adding their own interpretation or bias.
2. Transparency: The lens is invisible, suggesting that the translator should not be noticeable in the final product. Their work should be seamless and allow the reader to experience the source text as if they were reading it in their own language.
3. Faithful Representation: The lens faithfully reflects the image, implying that the translator should maintain the author's intended meaning, style, and tone in the target language.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: While the metaphor emphasizes neutrality, it also implies that the translator needs to understand the nuances and cultural context of both languages involved. They need to be sensitive to the target audience and ensure the translation is culturally appropriate.
Limitations of the Metaphor:
* Oversimplifies Complexity: The metaphor doesn't fully capture the challenges of translation, which involves more than just literal transfer of words. It can't account for nuances, cultural differences, ambiguity, or the need for creative solutions.
* Ignores Translator's Agency: The "clear lens" metaphor can give the impression that the translator is a passive conduit, ignoring the fact that they actively make choices and decisions during the translation process.
Conclusion:
While the "clear lens" metaphor is helpful for understanding some aspects of the translator's role, it is an oversimplification. It's important to recognize that translation is a complex process involving cultural understanding, creative decision-making, and a strong understanding of both languages involved.