If you’re reading more translated Latin American literature these days, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered the work of Megan McDowell. She’s one of the most prolific and respected translators working today, bringing the voices of authors like Mariana Enriquez, Samanta Schweblin, and Alejandro Zambra to English-speaking audiences.
McDowell’s known for her collaborative approach and her growing list of accolades, which are helping to shine a light on the often-underappreciated art of literary translation.
Literary translation is vital. It builds bridges between cultures, introduces us to new perspectives, and enriches the global literary landscape. Translators like Megan McDowell are cultural ambassadors, ensuring that compelling stories and important voices reach readers beyond their original language.
This article explores the career of Megan McDowell, her translation process, the challenges she faces, and her impact on the recognition of translators as essential collaborators in the literary world.
A Career Forged in Collaboration: Key Authors and Works
Megan McDowell’s path into the world of literary translation wasn’t exactly straightforward, but it was fueled by a deep love of language and a fascination with bridging cultural divides. Her background provided a solid foundation for the nuanced work she would later undertake, shaping her sensitivity to the subtle nuances of language and culture.
While it’s hard to pinpoint a single “big break,” her early projects helped establish her reputation as a meticulous and insightful translator, setting the stage for the defining collaborations that would come to define her career.
Defining Collaborations: Zambra, Enriquez, and Beyond
Perhaps no relationship has been as formative for McDowell as her close working partnership with Chilean author Alejandro Zambra. Their collaboration goes beyond simply translating words; it’s a true dialogue, a shared exploration of language and meaning.
As McDowell herself has said, “I definitely feel like my career has gone in parallel with Alejandro’s, in a way we’ve made this journey together.” Their work on Zambra’s acclaimed novel, Chilean Poet, is a testament to this synergy, showcasing McDowell’s ability to capture the author’s distinctive voice and style in English.
Translating Mariana Enriquez, with her dark and often unsettling narratives, presents a different set of challenges. McDowell has spoken of the need to find the right tone and rhythm to convey the chilling atmosphere and psychological depth of Enriquez’s writing. Their collaboration on Nuestra parte de noche (translated as Our Share of Night) is a prime example of McDowell’s skill in navigating complex and emotionally charged material.
Beyond Zambra and Enriquez, McDowell has lent her talents to translating a diverse range of authors, including Lina Meruane, Carlos Fonseca, and Samantha Schweblin. Each author presents unique linguistic and stylistic hurdles, requiring McDowell to adapt her approach and draw on her deep understanding of both Spanish and English.
The Unique Case of Juan Emar
Translating a living author allows for direct collaboration, a back-and-forth exchange that can enrich the final product. But what happens when the author is no longer alive? This was the challenge McDowell faced when translating the work of Juan Emar, a relatively obscure Chilean writer.
In the absence of authorial input, the translator must rely on their own interpretation of the text, drawing on biographical information, critical analyses, and a deep understanding of the author’s literary context. McDowell’s translation of Emar’s Yesterday demonstrates her ability to breathe new life into forgotten works, making them accessible to a wider audience while remaining true to the spirit of the original.
The Art and Craft of Translation: Process and Approach
Megan McDowell isn’t just converting words from one language to another; she’s deeply engaged in decoding and then recreating an author’s voice. Her work demonstrates a profound understanding of the source material, allowing her to mirror the author’s style in English. This goes beyond a simple word swap; it requires capturing the nuances of language and the weight of cultural context.
Navigating Linguistic and Cultural Nuances
Translation is rarely a straightforward process. McDowell often faces linguistic challenges that require creative solutions. For instance, in translating Alejandro Zambra’s “Chilean Poet,” she grappled with the word “padrastro.” While it directly translates to “stepfather,” the word carries a heavier connotation in Spanish, almost implying a “bad father.” Simply using “stepfather” wouldn’t convey the full meaning, so McDowell had to find a way to explain the specific Spanish meaning within the context of the English translation.
This highlights the translator’s role in making cultural references accessible. It’s not just about finding the equivalent word, but about bridging cultural gaps and ensuring the English-speaking reader understands the intended message.
Collaboration as a Key Tool
One of McDowell’s strengths lies in her collaborative approach. Working closely with the author can be invaluable in resolving translation challenges and ensuring accuracy. Alejandro Zambra is one such author. McDowell has worked with Zambra on several translations, and she values the collaborative process.
As McDowell notes:
“I know his voice/es, I often know his references and concerns, and his games with words and narrative are ones I enjoy playing and learning from as well.”
This collaboration allows McDowell to capture Zambra’s intended meaning and tone with greater precision. It’s a process of back-and-forth, clarification, and shared understanding, resulting in a translation that feels authentic and true to the original work. By working with the author, McDowell ensures that the translated work resonates with the same emotional and intellectual depth as the original, making the author’s voice accessible to a wider audience.
Challenges and Rewards: The Translator’s Perspective
Translating a book isn’t just swapping out words from one language for words in another. It’s about understanding the nuances of the original text, the author’s voice, and the cultural context, and then recreating that in a way that resonates with a new audience. It’s a deeply creative, intellectually demanding, and often invisible labor.
The Invisible Labor of Translation
Translators often face the challenge of their work being overlooked. People read a translated book and often don’t think twice about the skill and effort it took to bring that story to them in a different language. It takes years of dedicated study, a deep understanding of two (or more!) languages and cultures, and a meticulous attention to detail to produce a translation that’s both accurate and beautiful. As McDowell herself has said, “But it’s also true that I can’t do everything I want to, and I’ve had to make some tough decisions,” highlighting the sacrifices and compromises translators sometimes have to make in their careers.
The Evolving Role of Translators in the Literary Landscape
Thankfully, the perception of translators is slowly changing. There’s a growing movement to recognize translators as essential collaborators in the literary process, not just conduits for transferring words. More and more, you see translators being interviewed alongside authors, their names mentioned in reviews, and their contributions acknowledged in literary awards. This increased visibility is a welcome step in the right direction.
Recognition and Compensation: A Call for Change
One of the biggest challenges facing translators is fair compensation. For too long, the industry has relied on the idea that translators are doing it “for the love of literature,” which, while true, doesn’t pay the bills. McDowell has been a vocal advocate for better treatment of translators, stating, “I thought it was more important for the treatment of translators to improve: translators should get paid decently and they should get royalties.” This speaks to the need for better industry standards and a fundamental shift in how translators are valued.
Another key element of professionalization, according to McDowell, is having the translator’s name on the book cover. “The name on the cover is a distillation of everything else, a symbol of professionalization,” she argues. “Because basically, translators are thought of as amateurs, hobbyists, people who do it for our love of literature, and while that love is real, we’re also real people who need remuneration and the respect of our peers for the thing we dedicate our lives to.” Putting the translator’s name on the cover is a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge their contribution and elevate their status within the literary world, signaling that translation is a skilled profession deserving of respect and fair compensation.
Megan McDowell’s Impact and Influence: Shaping the Future of Translation
Megan McDowell hasn’t just translated books; she’s actively shaped the next generation of translators. She’s known for her dedication to mentoring aspiring translators, offering guidance and support to help them navigate the often-challenging world of literary translation. She freely shares her knowledge, providing actionable tips that demystify the translation process.
For example, she emphasizes the importance of “paying attention to the little words,” those seemingly insignificant particles that can drastically alter a sentence’s meaning. She also encourages translators to “trust yourself but question everything,” a mantra that balances confidence with a critical eye for detail. These practical insights, coupled with her genuine encouragement, have inspired countless individuals to pursue a career in translation.
Beyond mentoring, McDowell is a vocal advocate for greater recognition and respect for translators. She believes that translators are essential partners in the literary process and should be acknowledged and compensated accordingly. She champions the rights of translators and works to raise awareness of the vital role they play in connecting cultures and fostering global understanding.
McDowell’s lasting contribution to literary translation extends beyond her individual works. She has elevated the profession, inspired countless translators, and enriched the global literary community with her insightful and passionate approach to translation. Her influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the field for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Megan McDowell’s work is a testament to the power of translation. She is a vital bridge, connecting readers to the vibrant world of Latin American literature. Without her skill and dedication, countless English-language readers would miss out on the unique voices and perspectives of authors like Samanta Schweblin, Mariana Enriquez, and Alejandro Zambra.
McDowell’s career is marked by a collaborative spirit, working closely with authors to ensure her translations capture not just the literal meaning, but also the nuances of tone, style, and cultural context. Her commitment to accuracy is matched only by her passionate advocacy for greater recognition and respect for translators, who are often the unsung heroes of the literary world.
Ultimately, Megan McDowell’s contribution extends far beyond simply converting words from one language to another. Literary translation, at its best, fosters genuine cross-cultural understanding, expands our horizons, and enriches the global literary landscape. By making Latin American literature accessible to a wider audience, McDowell is helping to build bridges of empathy and appreciation in an increasingly interconnected world. Her work reminds us that stories have the power to transcend borders and connect us all.