When the Original Doesn’t Help — Translating Poorly Written Texts

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 Every translator knows: not every source text is brilliant.

Sometimes the original is clunky, confusing, or simply poorly written.
And that’s when the dilemma arises:
Should we translate it literally, faithfully preserving every misstep?
Or should we take a more active role, trying to “fix” and improve what perhaps shouldn’t be fixed at all?

This is one of the most delicate — and ethical — challenges of our profession. And, of course, one of the most common.

When the Text Doesn’t Cooperate

Translation is, above all, an act of mediation.
But when the original falls short — whether due to lack of clarity, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies — the translator must decide where their responsibility begins and ends.

Some argue that our mission is to preserve even the flaws of the source.
Others believe that if the original reads poorly, it’s our job to soften it so the target audience doesn’t suffer through the experience.

The boundary, of course, is thin.
On one side, we have our commitment to the integrity of the work and the author’s style.
On the other, the need to offer readers a text that flows at least reasonably well.

Personally, I believe common sense is our best compass.
When a mistake disrupts understanding, adjusting it is an act of respect toward the reader.
When the “mistake” is actually a stylistic choice, it should be preserved — even if it feels odd.


Creativity in the Right Measure

Another sensitive issue is creativity.
Translating a poorly written text doesn’t mean reinventing it.
The translator’s role isn’t to ghostwrite — it’s to find smart solutions to best convey the author’s intentions (even when poorly expressed).

In these cases, creativity is a tool — not a free pass.
Rephrasing clumsy structures, suggesting synonyms, or reorganizing sentences may be necessary — but always with caution and ethical awareness.

Responsibility and Boundaries

Finally, there’s the question of limits:
How far can I go? When should I consult the author? When is it appropriate to suggest changes or ask for formal guidance?

My personal rule:
Whenever a change is significant or impacts the content, the ethical thing to do is to inform whoever is coordinating the project — or the author themselves.
This transparency protects the translator and reinforces the collaborative nature of the work.

When working with texts of questionable quality, the translator’s responsibility increases —
not to become a coauthor, but to act as a critical reader and an ethical professional.

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