ニホン ノ ブンガク オ エイゴ ニ ヤクス ホウホウ : クボ ミスミ ノ フガイナイ ボク ワ ソラ オ ミタ ノ ヤクシ ニ ツイテ

When translating literature in either direction between Japanese and English reordering of phrases and sentences is inevitable. Japanese grammar allows for long sentences with up to thirteen or fourteen clauses to be strung together with a logic order reverse to English. Constructing a target text that reads smoothly without altering the syntax requires careful consideration. Secondly, word choices are critical in maintaining the tone of the story, in this case an odd blend of grotesque sexual imagery and sophisticated artful prose. The third component was how to translate or omit cultural references, or how far to bring the reader to Japan or take the story to a context more familiar to an English reader. Decisions concerning the three factors are highlighted with examples in the translation Mikumari by Misumi Kubo. It is hoped these examples inform a clear strategy for literature translation between unrelated languages and cultures