Sergio Waisman Discusses Translation and His Work with Ricardo Piglia

Waisman conducted the interview via Skype from his home in Kensington, Maryland, where he uncovered the intricacies of the translation process that he describes as often enigmatic. Having translated Piglia’s work into English for over two decades, Waisman emphasized the unique challenges of maintaining both cultural and linguistic integrity. He asserts that translation isn't merely a conversion of words but involves historical and political contexts that influence the original text.

Waisman’s first encounter with Piglia’s writing inspired him to envision how it might resonate in English. He mentioned that the act of translation has evolved for him over the years, becoming an integral part of his reading experience itself. This interplay between reading, writing, and translating has led him to perceive translation as both an extension of writing and a method of interpreting text.

When discussing the translation paradox, Waisman acknowledged that a successful translation must balance his voice with Piglia’s. He explained that if his translation veered too much toward his own interpretation, it would lose Piglia's essence, while translating too literally would resemble an inadequate rendering, akin to a “Google translation.” For Waisman, the goal is to achieve a new voice that still reflects the original author’s style and meaning.

In relating to *Target in the Night*, Waisman highlighted the significance of accurately conveying Argentine cultural references to English-speaking audiences. He faced the temptation to add explanatory notes, aiming to preserve the integrity of Piglia's original voice without oversimplifying or modifying the intended impact.

Waisman noted that Piglia's style necessitates a deep understanding of Argentine literary and historical nuances accessed through thorough research. This complexity is mirrored in the self-reflective nature of Piglia's writing and its layers of meaning. Waisman revealed that his correspondence and collaboration with Piglia throughout their work have significantly shaped his translation practice.

The conversation extended to the evolution of Piglia's writing over the years. Waisman mentioned that Piglia has always engaged in a process of re-evaluation and rewriting, impacting how Waisman approaches future translations. Waisman cited *The Absent City* as a pivotal work due to its self-referential storytelling mechanics that resonate with the act of translation itself.

Waisman shared that while translating, he grappled with Piglia's intricate titles. The original Spanish title, *Blanco nocturno*, presents intrinsic complexities that often elude direct translation into English, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining multiple meanings inherent in the text. He reflected on the evolving status of Piglia in the literary world, acknowledging that while his works significantly impact Latin American literature, their reception in English has yet to reach similar levels of recognition.

Looking ahead, Waisman expressed eagerness to continue translating Piglia’s works and plans to contribute a book of essays examining the relationship between translation and Piglia’s narrative voice, focusing on what he refers to as the “scenes of translation.” This exploration will delve into the ways translation influences authorship and originality.