Babel

by R.F. Kuang

So we must proceed from the starting assumption that distortion is inevitable. The question is how to distort with deliberation.’ He tapped the book lying on his desk. ‘You’ve all finished Tytler, yes?’ They nodded. They’d been assigned the introductory chapter of Essay on Principles of Translation by Lord Alexander Fraser Tytler Woodhouselee the night before. ‘Then you’ll have read that Tytler recommends three basic principles. Which are – yes, Miss Desgraves?’ ‘First, that the translation conveys a complete and accurate idea of the original,’ said Victoire. ‘Second, that the translation mirrors the style and manner of writing of the original. And third, that the translation should read with all the ease of the original composition.’ She spoke with such confident precision, Robin thought she must have been reading from the text. He was very impressed when he glanced over and saw her consulting nothing but blank space. Ramy, too, had this talent for perfect recall