what is a good translation ?

How often have you watched a film in another language, and noticed in the subtitles that you would have translated something differently? Or maybe you’ve watched the same episode of your favorite show in one language, then later in another, and scratched your head thinking, ‘I’m quite sure they said something else in that scene…’ Or somewhat more awkward, you’re with a friend who is acting as your interpreter and everyone is having a good ol’ laugh, but he tells you that he can’t translate the joke for you, because it just wouldn’t make sense…
Well, I suppose the argument of what is good translation is really never-ending. But Nida has put forth the following criteria for us to consider:

• a translation has to make sense
• it should convey the manner/ spirit of the original
• expression should be natural and easy
• the translation should produce a similar response in the reader as the original
• when there is no happy comprimise, meaning takes priority

Bearing these criteria in mind, I would love to hear your thoughts for further discussion! Have you ever come across any exceptionally good translations, or exceptionally bad ones? Why do you consider them to be good or bad?http://stiefelsinkwell.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/so-what-is-good-translation-anyway/

Ten Signs of a Good Translation

• A good translation is not the mere substitution of isolated words or phrases. It is a clear and precise message that conveys the true meaning of the original text.
• A good translation is one that, while conveying the exact meaning of the original document, communicates with the intended reader — a translation that reads as if originally written in Spanish.
• A good translation demonstrates that the translator masters the source and target languages.
• A good translation reflects that the translator has vast experience in the subject area, grammar and nuance of the language.
• A good translator protects the confidentiality of the information provided by the client.
• A good translator is eager to learn, and invests time and energy in knowing more about a new field.
• A good translator knows where to find the information needed to provide an accurate translation, and has invested in the necessary resources to work quickly and efficiently.
• A good translator appreciates and takes into account any feedback from the client.
• A good translation is done taking into consideration the subject area, target audience, usage (information only, reference or publication) and country of destination.
• A good translation is a unified document. Even large-volume documents need to be consistent throughout, and if segmented, all the sections need to be edited for consistency and fluency. http://www.translationspecialists.com/ten.html