The influence of the translator’s personality on translation quality
Author: Toshpo‘latova Aziza
University: Termiz davlat universiteti
Field: Tarjima nazariyasi va amaliyoti
Annotatsiya: Ushbu maqolada tarjima jarayonida tarjimon shaxsining tarjima sifatiga ko‘rsatadigan ta’siri chuqur tahlil qilinadi. Tarjimonning kasbiy mahorati, shaxsiy fazilatlari, madaniy saviyasi hamda til kompetensiyasi tarjima natijasining aniqligi, uslubiy yaxlitligi va madaniy mosligini belgilovchi asosiy omillar sifatida o‘rganiladi. Shuningdek, tarjimonning ijodiy yondashuvi, emotsional intellekti, madaniyatlararo tafakkuri va mas’uliyat hissi tarjima jarayonida qanday rol o‘ynashi ilmiy jihatdan asoslab beriladi.Kalit so‘zlar: tarjima sifati, tarjimon shaxsi, madaniy kompetensiya, ijodkorlik, tarjima jarayoni, til tafakkuri
Annotation :This article provides an in-depth analysis of the influence of the translator’s personality on translation quality. The translator’s professional skills, personal qualities, cultural background, and language competence are explored as key factors that determine the accuracy, stylistic integrity, and cultural relevance of the translated text. The article also explains scientifically the role of the translator’s creative approach, emotional intelligence, intercultural thinking, and sense of responsibility in the translation process.
Keywords: translation quality, translator’s personality, cultural competence, creativity, translation process, linguistic thinking.Аннотация :В данной статье подробно анализируется влияние личности переводчика на качество перевода. Профессиональное мастерство переводчика, его личные качества, культурный уровень и языковая компетенция рассматриваются как ключевые факторы, определяющие точность переведенного текста, стилевую целостность и культурную адекватность. Также научно обосновано, какую роль играют творческий подход переводчика, его эмоциональный интеллект, межкультурное мышление и чувство ответственности в процессе перевода.Ключевые слова: качество перевода, личность переводчика, культурная компетенция, креативность, процесс перевода, языковое мышление.
Introduction
Translation has played a special role in the history of humanity as a means of intercultural communication and exchange of ideas. In every period, translation has served not only as the transfer of words, but also as the transmission of ideas, values, and cultural meanings. Therefore, translation quality cannot be limited to grammatical accuracy or lexical precision alone. The translator is a bridge between two languages and two cultures. He/she must not only possess linguistic knowledge, but also broad thinking, cultural sensitivity, empathy, analytical ability, and creativity. For this reason, modern translation studies recognize the personality of the translator as a decisive factor in translation quality.
Many translation theorists (Komissarov, Nida, Newmark, Baker, etc.) have analyzed the role, responsibility, and personal approach of the translator. According to them, the success of translation is directly related not only to the translator’s knowledge, but also to his/her worldview and ethical responsibility.
Methodology
This research is based on the following scientific approaches: Descriptive method – the relationship between the translator’s personality and translation quality was described based on scientific sources. Comparative analysis – the differences between various translation schools (Russian, English, and Uzbek translation studies) were clarified. Empirical observation – translation classes involving teachers and students were analyzed, and the individual characteristics of the translator were observed. Content analysis – features of translator’s style in literary and academic translations were studied through examples. Scientific literature, articles and practical translation texts (literary works, articles, academic texts) were used as research sources.
Results Analysis revealed the following main results: Translation quality is closely connected with the translator’s personal qualities. The translator’s patience, sense of responsibility, wide thinking, and artistic taste have a significant influence on the translation process. Perfect linguistic knowledge is not enough. A translator must understand not only grammar, but also metaphors, idioms, and cultural codes of the language. Cultural competence is the key to successful translation. In cases of cultural differences, the translator’s cultural sensitivity prevents errors and makes translation more natural.
Creativity plays an important role in translation. To recreate the tone and spirit of each text, the translator applies creative elements. Translators’ ethical position and responsibility matter. The translator must remain faithful to the text and convey the author’s message without distortion, adhering to professional honesty and objectivity.
Discussion The findings show that the role of the translator’s personality is one of the most important factors determining translation quality. As classical translation scholar Yu. N. Komissarov (1990) noted, “a translator is not only a transformer of language, but a creator of meaning. ”E. A. Nida (1964) suggested evaluating translation through “dynamic equivalence,” meaning that the translated text should produce the same effect on the target reader as the original did on the source reader. For this, the translator’s ability to perceive emotions, culture and context is crucial.
According to P. Newmark (1988), translation is not only related to language, but also to thinking. The translator creates a new semantic space between languages. This requires creativity, intuition, and analytical thinking. In Uzbek translation studies, the issue of translator personality has also received attention. Scholars such as O. Sharafiddinov, N. Komilov, and A. Obidjon have defined translation as a creative process and pointed out that the translator’s spiritual richness and artistic taste determine the quality of translation.
In today’s globalization, translation is not only transferring a text into another language, but also adapting a whole cultural code into another culture. In this process, the translator’s unique worldview, individual perception and personal experience are essential elements. Because each person interprets the world differently — therefore translation is also influenced by personal interpretation.
Furthermore, modern translation studies include the concept of the “translator’s visibility and invisibility” (Lawrence Venuti). Sometimes the translator’s voice, stylistic sensitivity, and personal decisions may make the translation more natural, lively, and relevant to contemporary context.
Conclusion Based on the above analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn: The core factor of translation quality is the translator’s personality, cultural worldview, and professional competence. To improve translation quality, the following qualities must be developed in translators: perfect linguistic and cultural knowledge creative and analytical thinking professional responsibility and ethical position communicative and emotional intelligence
In training translators, not only linguistic knowledge, but also cultural, psychological and creative skills should be emphasized. Considering the human factor in translation is the key to high-quality translation. In general, in modern translation practice, the translator’s inner world, cultural capital, and emotional intelligence are becoming central. Even in the era of advanced technologies, AI translation and automated systems, human creativity and contextual sensitivity still remain superior to artificial intelligence.
Therefore, in translator training systems today, the following components should be considered strategic priorities: psychological preparation, development of cultural thinking, expansion of creative thinking, strengthening ethical responsibility.
Thus, at the heart of translation quality lies not linguistic knowledge alone, but the translator’s personality — his/her worldview, experience, knowledge, and cultural sensitivity. This requires considering the translator not as a simple “language mediator,” but as a “cultural diplomat.”
Recommendations: Organizing special trainings on intercultural communication and ethical responsibility for translators. Introducing the course “Translator Psychology” in translation departments. Preserving the role of human creativity when using artificial intelligence tools in translation. Establishing a mentor–apprentice system for young translators.
ReferencesKomissarov, Yu. N. (1990). O perevode i perevodchike. Moscow: Nauka.Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a Science of Translating. Leiden: Brill.Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. London: Prentice Hall.Baker, M. (2011). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. London: Routledge.Larson, M. L. (1998). Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence. Lanham: University Press of America.Catford, J. C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation. London: Oxford University Press.Sharafiddinov, O. (2003). Tarjima san’ati. Tashkent: Fan.Komilov, N. (2015). Til va tafakkur uyg‘unligi. Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi.