Translation as rewriting: Ciceronian principles and accompanying notes for word play

Pernalete Lugo J.; Felix Mora Ramírez R.; Josefina Odor Rossel Y.; Darío Mendoza Arenas R.; Mercedes Álvarez Rubio A. · Lengua y Habla (2025)

Resumen

A text is primarily its verbal expression. Translation is essentially a literal transcription of a language, which ironically distances the reader from the actual text. How can one transfer its substance from one language to another? The Ciceronian principles outlined in De optimo genere oratorum refocus translation on creative subjectivity; to recreate the original in its meaning, effect, and intent according to the properties of our native language. These principles support translation not as a linear process but as a flexible one, as far as respect for the original allows. We discuss three theoretical bodies: i. the review of Ciceronian discourse, ii. The trans-poetics of Ezra Pound, iii. The principles of translation by Reynaldo Peréz Só, a Venezuelan poet and translator of an impressive career.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal; Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca; Universidad Nacional del Callao