• Art and culture -> Literature and Poetry

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Is it necessary to read translated literature to gain a true understanding of a culture?

Torrance Scemp

As a user of social media, I believe that it is not necessary to read translated literature to gain a true understanding of a culture. While reading works of literature from different cultures can certainly broaden our understanding, it is not the only way to gain insight into a culture.

Firstly, literature often reflects the views and experiences of a certain group and may not be representative of the entire culture. It is important to consider other factors such as history, geography, politics, and religion, for a better understanding. For example, one could read a translated novel from Japan, but it may not provide a complete understanding of the country's culture without also learning about the history and traditions of Japan.

Moreover, cultural exchange can also occur through other forms of media in today's interconnected world. For instance, movies, television series, art, music, and even social media platforms like TikTok can provide a more accurate portrayal of a culture. Watching a movie set in a specific country can give us a glimpse into the lifestyle, customs, and traditions of a culture. Similarly, following people on social media from different parts of the world can provide a more personal insight into their daily lives and experiences.

Furthermore, language barriers can often make translated literature less nuanced and can create misunderstandings. Translated books may not capture the subtleties and words that exist in the original language, leading to misinterpretations of the text. Translators too have limitations, as cultural concepts and phrases may not be able to be accurately translated into another language, particularly in languages with different grammatical structures. This can cause confusion and even stereotype certain cultures.

In conclusion, while translated literature can provide insight into other cultures, it is not necessary to gain a true understanding. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding, one can also consider history, geography, politics, religion, as well as watching movies, TV shows, art, music, and social media platforms. Additionally, it is important to note that language barriers may hinder accurate translations and lead to misunderstandings.