As a translator for the experimental theater group spacenotblank, I've encountered an unexpected challenge when working on subtitles for their performances — the lack of personal pronouns. It's not uncommon for Japanese to omit personal pronouns due to the high context nature of the language, but spacenotblank takes it to the extreme, often omitting them entirely to suggest an air of ambiguity. This presents a significant challenge as I strive to avoid passive language while remaining faithful to the original text.
I tend to unconsciously lean towards a particular gender based on certain factors of speech or how my mind interprets the situation.
In many cases, I've had to consult with the spacenotblank team to solve issues that arise, but I've noticed something interesting while translating — I tend to shift towards a particular gender when writing. I don't mean the old-school concept of "he" for a doctor and "she" for a nurse. Instead, it's the subtler aspects of the text where I tend to unconsciously lean towards a particular gender based on certain factors of speech or how my mind interprets the situation.
I've realized that this is the essence of unconscious bias and how deeply it can affect us. Despite my best efforts to remain neutral, my preconceived notions still seep into my work. It's an ongoing challenge that I'm determined to overcome. As I continue to translate plays for spacenotblank, I'd like to see how I can work to iron out these biases and approach the text with a genuinely open mind.
Spacenotblank: https://spacenotblank.com/
Theatrical Monument | Official Streaming Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea1UkJVVhf4
Kommentare