Retraslato

Retraslato is a term used in Italian-language discussions of translation to refer to a text that has been translated anew into the same language. In English, the corresponding terms are retranslated or retranslation. The concept is used in translation studies and bibliographic contexts to distinguish an original translation from later versions of the same work.

In scholarship, a retraduction typically means a new translation of the same source text, usually undertaken after an earlier translation has already circulated. The primary aim is often to achieve greater fidelity to the original or to adapt the work to modern language, evolving cultural norms, or updated editorial standards. While most studies emphasize translating directly from the original text, there are cases where a retraduction revises or is influenced by a previous translation.

Retraductions are common for literary classics, religious writings, and texts with ongoing readership. They can affect reception, interpretation, and scholarly edition histories by offering alternative linguistic choices, terminological renderings, and stylistic approaches. Catalogers and publishers may designate retraductions distinctly to guide researchers and readers in understanding the edition’s relationship to earlier translations.

See also: translation studies, back-translation, translation history, bibliographic cataloging.