A Turning Point: Radio Interview with Fathi M. A. Ahmed
Cairo, 10 January 2011
In an engaging interview on Youth and Sport Radio, Fathi M. A. Ahmed shared his thoughts on the intricate world of translation, the qualifications of a good translator, and his personal journey into the profession. The interview, hosted by Rada El-Gohary on Youth and Sport Radio, delved into the philosophical question of whether translation is an art or a science, as well as the professional challenges faced by translators in today’s globalized world.
When asked whether translation is an art or a science, Ahmed noted that the craft encompasses both elements. "Translation is an art in the sense that it requires creativity, intuition, and sensitivity to the nuances of both languages and cultures. But it’s also a science, where precision, accuracy, and structured processes are essential to delivering a faithful rendition of the original text," he explained. He emphasized that translation involves constant balancing between staying true to the source material and adapting it in a way that resonates with the target audience.
On the qualifications of a good translator, Ahmed listed several crucial qualities: a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, cultural awareness, and, perhaps most importantly, faithfulness to the original meaning. “A good translator doesn’t simply replace words with their equivalents; they grasp the essence of the message and convey it in a way that feels authentic in the new language,” Ahmed stated. He also touched on the growing demand for specialized translators who are well-versed in fields like law, medicine, and technology, where technical precision is paramount.
Reflecting on his own career, Ahmed shared a personal turning point that led him to pursue translation professionally. Originally educated in tourism management, Ahmed’s passion for languages eventually took center stage, prompting him to shift careers. “I always had a deep love for languages, and the more I immersed myself in the study of translation, the more I realized it was my true calling,” Ahmed remarked. This decision marked a pivotal moment in his life, where he moved away from a stable career path to follow his passion for language and translation.
The interview also touched on a common critique often levied at translators—that they are "traitors" to the original text. Ahmed addressed this issue directly, affirming that while faithfulness is crucial in translation, achieving a one-to-one correspondence between the source and target languages is often impossible. “Translators don’t claim to convey the identical meaning; that’s not realistic. What we do is try to remain as faithful as possible, while recognizing that every language has its own set of limitations and nuances,” he explained.
Ahmed also shared insights from his internship at the United Nations, which was a transformative experience despite the significant challenges he faced. While interning in New York, Ahmed had to contend with the high cost of living, as the internship was unpaid. “It was a great learning opportunity, but the financial strain was real. Unpaid internships, especially in cities like New York, are not accessible to everyone, and that’s a barrier the UN and other international organizations need to address,” he commented.
The interview provided a fascinating glimpse into Ahmed’s professional philosophy and personal experiences. His reflections on the art and science of translation, along with the challenges of balancing passion with practicality, resonated strongly with the audience.