Working: Translator Damion Searls Explains Why His Job is More Creative Than Technical

Published: Jan. 31, 2021, 10 a.m.

b'This week host Rumaan Alam talks to writer Damion Searls, who translates literature from German, French, Dutch, and Norwegian into English. In the interview, Damion argues that the work of translating is more creative than technical, and he breaks down what it means to preserve the best qualities of foreign works.\\xa0\\nAfter the interview, Rumaan and co-host June Thomas talk about their own experiences with literary translations.\\xa0\\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Damion lists some of the works he\\u2019d like to translate in the near future.\\xa0\\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.\\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence\\u2014and you\\u2019ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now\\xa0to help support our work.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'