In the quote from Anna and the French Kiss, the speaker highlights the complexity involved in translation. They emphasize that translating is not simply a matter of converting words from one language to another, but involves making many choices to accurately convey meaning. Every word and sentence can have multiple interpretations depending on the context, making the translator’s role quite challenging.
The quote underlines that translation requires careful judgment because language is layered with nuance. Translators must consider various possible meanings and select the most fitting one for each situation, recognizing that each word can carry different connotations depending on the circumstances. This process makes translation both an art and a science, demanding deep understanding and skill.