The Word Alive and Dead

Structure and Organization

Nora Gal's book "The Word Alive and Dead" is a collection of essays and articles dedicated to translation and language culture. It consists of several parts, each revealing different aspects of a translator's work and interaction with text. The first part of the book is devoted to theoretical questions of translation. Here, the author shares her thoughts on the nature of translation, on the importance of preserving the liveliness and expressiveness of the original text, avoiding dead, formulaic constructions. The second part includes practical advice and recommendations for translators. Nora Gal provides examples from her translation practice, analyzes mistakes and successful findings, and shares secrets of the craft that help make a translation more lively and accurate. The third part of the book is dedicated to the analysis of specific translations. The author examines translations of well-known works, compares them with the originals, discusses successful and unsuccessful decisions by translators, emphasizing the importance of a careful and sensitive approach to words. In the concluding part, Nora Gal addresses readers and colleagues, emphasizing the significance of the translator's profession and its role in cultural exchange. She calls for careful attention to language and constant improvement of skills. Thus, "The Word Alive and Dead" is not only a practical guide for translators but also a deep reflection on language and its role in human life.