Uusi käännös Tampereen Teatterin Les Misiin

I am an American Les Miserables fan writing on behalf of my fellow fans in Finland. I am also a linguistics student who enjoys learning about and listening to other languages. I am excited to know that there will be a new Finnish-language production of Les Mis. However, it is well-known within the Finnish theatre community that the libretto is one that is poorly-translated, and I write to highlight the importance of using a good translation.

The importance of a good translation cannot be understated. The job of the translator is to transfer a message from one language to another, while taking into account the implied subtext of the original and nuances of the target language. This includes familiarity with the use of expressions, idioms, and slang, as well as different registers, speaking styles, and sociocultural contexts. An ideal translation sounds natural and not stilted, and is easy for the reader or listener to understand. Additionally, the best translators have extensive knowledge in both the source language and the target language.

In the world of theatre, a good translation is of particular importance because words guide the viewer through the story. A poor translation can easily cause confusion within the audience. Futhermore, dialogue is one of the ways in which the audience connects with the characters onstage. Failure to accurately represent the thoughts and feelings of the players may hinder emotional investment in the story. Language-learners such as young children and foreigners will also benefit from the use of a good translation, as will the theatre itself -- a good translation will leave a positive impression, particularly on those familiar with the source material.

Finding a good translation is not always easy, but it has many advantages. I encourage Tampereen Teatterin to look into alternative translations for their new production.

Thank you for your time,
Margot L