retranslate

Retranslate is the act of translating a text again into a target language. In translation studies, it commonly refers to producing a new translation directly from the original source text, rather than revising or editing an existing version. Retranslation can also describe creating a new rendering from another translation, but this is less common and can accumulate changes along the way.

Motivations for retranslating include changes in language over time, shifts in translation norms, or meeting the expectations of a different audience. It is frequently undertaken for classic literature, religious texts, or official documents where readers demand contemporary phrasing or a different tone. In publishing, retranslations may accompany new editions or scholarly inquiries that seek to illuminate aspects overlooked by earlier translators.

Process and considerations: Retranslation from the original text requires access to the source and, ideally, availability of multiple manuscript or edition variants. It may involve comparison with prior translations to decide what to retain or change, and it can raise questions about accuracy, fidelity, and readability. Rights, licensing, and editorial policy often influence whether a publisher pursues a retranslation instead of updating an existing translation.