“modernising” original script during translation
When I bought the books I searched for some information inside about the translation, who did it, and did the same person “modernise” the story to include all the modern dates and computer references etc. I found myself doubting the validity of a story written in the 1940’s/50’s that included so many references to computers, hacking, and other very clever things that would have been unheard of at the time Stieg Larsson wrote the story. Can someone enlighten me, as my thoughts are interrupting my reading enjoyment.
Posted by scarymary in Carlisle , 4 May 2010
7 comments on ““modernising” original script during translation”
Larsson wrote this in late 90's. The story partly happens in the time of ww 2. But the records of events that happened back then are rightly shown to be b&w photos and are stored in paper archives, or micro films in Newspaper companies. There is no mix up as you suggest in the original or translation.
mandana geda in Cambridge, uk ,
Did anyone else notice the use of the expression “get ahold of”, which was used at least 4-5 times. I thought the expression should be “get hold of”. Just a small point of curiosity on the translation. I am devastated that there will be no more of the best I have ever read of this genre!
Posted by Claire Cummings in West Roxbury, MA ,
Clarification of last post: The expression I was referring to is in the third book: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.
Posted by Claire Cummings in West Roxbury, MA USA ,
Hi Claire, I checked my original manuscript and found 12 instances of “get hold of” in book 3; “get ahold of” is something one of the editors decided to put in. Don’t blame me!
Posted by Reg Keeland in Albuquerque NM ,
I have used the expression “to get ahold of” all my life. it is simply a variant on “get hold of”. The translation might have been put “get a hold of”, in a more “formal” sense, but when American speakers use the expression, the “a” is elided quickly into “hold”.
Posted by Jim in Jacksonville, AL ,
What about sayings such as “could have heard a pin drop”? Are there sayings like this in Swedish? I know there are other examples, just can’t think of them now. How much of the text is literally translated, and how much leeway is the translator given? I’m in two book clubs who are reading these books, and both have discussed this question.
Posted by Cindy in Marietta, GA ,
Reg Keeland
Thank you somuch for your translations. I don’t read Swedish but one of my collegues does and he reacons that you are very, very true to the original. I really enjoyed the audiobooks, with your translation and Simon Vance reading they were truely memorable.
Once again, thank you (I hope it paid well!!)
Posted by The smith in Cornwall ,