04. Why QNF Has to be Translated
Titles vanish without trace...
Many translated non-fiction titles vanish without trace: the translator and publisher should together think up new ways of reaching the reader.
The unique experience
In choosing which non-fiction to translate, the focus must be on the unique experience of the different cultures. The strength of Dutch non-fiction lies in such subjects as political and democratic traditions, and environmental policy.
Small vs Big
With the accession to the European Union of ten new countries, the EU now contains more ‘small’ countries than ‘big’. The Netherlands, being small, has more in common with these other small countries and can perhaps learn more from them than from our ‘big brothers’.
Pest and blessing
The internet as both pest and blessing: the large amount of information that you need as non-fiction translator is (alas) always available.
A burdon on translators
Globalisation has placed more of a burden on non-fiction translators who are now expected to have a knowledge of an increasing number of countries, societies and developments. How do you convey so many cultures in a responsible way?
The translator as adviser
Foreign non-fiction titles are ever more unlikely to be translated: for this reason, publishing houses should make much more use of non-fiction translators as advisers.
A new alliance?
Any new ideas to improve the lot of translations should come from an alliance of publishers, translators and authors.