Is everything translatable?

Translating is not neutral

According to the biblical account, in the early days, all humans spoke the same language: the Adamic language, i.e. that of Adam and Eve. However, they wanted to build a tower reaching almost to heaven, insulting God who will punish mankind by creating the different languages. Nevertheless, this "divine curse" finds a solution in the role of translator. As the Senegalese philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne explains, translators can bridge the gap between two dialects virtually through "Adamic" interpretation.

There's nothing neutral about translating. Indeed, the Italians say that translation is akin to betrayal. Indeed, in the transition from one language to another, very local or national elements and concepts are inevitably lost. All the more so as the power relationship between languages is always present. These days, English is the language of influence. A French-speaking author will be far more successful if his work is translated into English than into Polish. There was a time when French was the revered language, just as Latin was long ago.

As Mr. Bachir Diagne points out, even if a meaning is lost, translation anchors a part of another culture in a nation. The French adaptation of African tales and thoughts has enabled them to be decompartmentalized and shared. To the point where some would even say that "French is an African language". Everything can be translated. Translators are generally equipped to do just that.

Running time: 21min45