ON TRANSLATING MAGRIS

Abstract

Translating the work by Magris into Croatian is a complex and challenging task. By relating theoretical notions to a number of translational examples, this paper addresses the peculiar conceptual and narrative style of Claudio Magris, the synonymous pairs of various etymological provenience which, in Croatian, retain the synonymity albeit having the same etymological origin.
Compulsive enumeration (listing terms without separating them by a comma) results in an absolute need for communication, whereas an overuse of commas – like in the story Graf – creates a specific prosodic effect of simultaneous confession and protest.
Being concerned with the narrative rhythm in the translation of Magris’ works forces his translators to meticulously study the most influential translation theories, such as those proposed by Mattioli and Meschonnic.