Translator Lin King Raises Concerns Over Copyright Violations in Relay Translation

King discovered a European publisher was planning to release a translation of the book based on her English version, a practice known as “relay translation.” She sent multiple warnings to the publisher, stating that this translation was not authorized.

“As I am the sole copyright owner of the English Taiwan Travelogue,” King emphasized, “an unauthorized third-language translation violates my copyright.” She has commenced legal action against the unnamed European publisher.

In her statement, King passionately championed translation as an art form:

"Translation is adaptation. It is not unlike a filmmaker reinterpreting a book for the screen, or Whitney Houston covering Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You.’ Whether one is 'better' than the other is up for debate. That the two are different is indisputable.

Translation is also performance. If the writer is a scriptwriter, the translator is the actor; if the writer is a composer, the translator is the musician; if the writer is a choreographer, the translator is the dancer. Every one of the performer’s artistic choices impacts the delivery and reception of the original work."

King noted the misconception that distinguishes writers from translators, stating, “I chose, from the chaotic expanses of the English lexicon, every single word in Taiwan Travelogue.” She expressed that Shuāng-Zǐ cannot read her translation, similar to how she will not be able to read most future translations of her own work.

Yuka Igarashi, Executive Editor at Graywolf Press, which published Taiwan Travelogue, supported King’s position, asserting that translators deserve recognition for their contributions.

“Lin King’s inspired translation demonstrates that translators are writers in their own right whose copyright must be respected,” Igarashi said.

King further highlighted the unfair business practices prevalent in translation. She clarified, “This is not about the money,” recalling that she volunteered to translate and pitch the book without compensation.

King is advocating for a shift in translation practices and hopes her legal actions will help create a new precedent.

“Since when has ‘it’s always been done this way’ been a sufficient reason for continuing to infringe on people’s rights?” she questioned.

She concluded with a plea to publishers: “Ask for permission, not forgiveness. If you love these books, respect the rights of the translators who rewrite these stories so that you, too, can read them.”

King's full statement can be found on her Instagram.