Rachel
asked
Kamand Kojouri:
Hey, I'm currently writing an EPQ (5000 word A-level-standard dissertation type thing) and I saw your quote about writers being like glass makers and was wondering if you'd a) mind if I quoted you in my dissertation (referenced, of course!) and b) could tell me where it's from? Is it from one of your books? Thank you so much!!!
Kamand Kojouri
Dear Rachel,
I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be delighted!
That quote hasn't been published anywhere so I'm sorry if that makes the referencing a bit more difficult. Also, the correct version of the quote is: "[...] Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words [..]"
Here's the entire quote:
"We are told that in translation there is no such thing as equivalence. Many times the translator reaches a fork in the translating road where they must make a choice in the interpretation of a word. And each time they make one of these choices, they are taken further from the truth. But what we aren’t told is that this isn’t a shortcoming of translation; it’s a shortcoming of language itself. As soon as we try to put reality into words, we limit it. Words are not reality, they are the cause of reality, and thus reality is always more. Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words. No, they are glassmakers. They create a work of art that enables us to see inside to help us understand. And if they are really good, we can see our own reflections staring back at us.”
Best of luck with the EPQ!
—Kamand
I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be delighted!
That quote hasn't been published anywhere so I'm sorry if that makes the referencing a bit more difficult. Also, the correct version of the quote is: "[...] Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words [..]"
Here's the entire quote:
"We are told that in translation there is no such thing as equivalence. Many times the translator reaches a fork in the translating road where they must make a choice in the interpretation of a word. And each time they make one of these choices, they are taken further from the truth. But what we aren’t told is that this isn’t a shortcoming of translation; it’s a shortcoming of language itself. As soon as we try to put reality into words, we limit it. Words are not reality, they are the cause of reality, and thus reality is always more. Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words. No, they are glassmakers. They create a work of art that enables us to see inside to help us understand. And if they are really good, we can see our own reflections staring back at us.”
Best of luck with the EPQ!
—Kamand
More Answered Questions
Justyna
asked
Kamand Kojouri:
Hello May I use your quote : "So close your eyes at once. Don’t utter a word. Perk up your ears and listen to that silent sound inside you where all this is found” to go with one of my paintings on Etsy - a selling site for creative people from all over the world? I can't put the picture of the painting here, but gladly will send it via email. Kind regards Preloved By Justi
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