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Writing is a process of translation. Much writing breaks down because writers do not understand they are talking to readers. They don't know how or simply don't do the work of "translating" their experience for others. Just as a foreign language translator, first, experiences another language and, then, puts it in new words for others, writers translate their knowledge and experience first within themselves and then for readers. No process of translation is absolute. It involves understanding of, feeling into, and approximating the experience of others. Effective translators know when to translate word for word and when to translate for essence, for cultural difference, for as close as the language can get. Effective translators stay aware of more than the precise meanings of words. They are aware of the culture they are translating from as well as the culture they are translating into. Writing is more than expressing what you want to say. It involves listening within yourself and attending to others' cultures. Two things can help. Sometimes if writers speak out loud as they write, they are reminded they are not just in an experience, but are translating it for others. Use of patterns can also help writers translate meaning beyond individual words. Many of us were taught to write using set patterns over and over again. But we get bored by patterns or forget them because we do not remember that readers rely on them to read well what we have to say. Readers look for cues, for repetitions, for essential elements of structure to tell them what to pay attention to, how to navigate our texts, and why words or images or structures are important. Don't worry. There are more patterns than you think. Your writing can move, roam a bit, sing. Just remember you translating. Give us your meaning. Acknowledge our cultures. Guide us as you speak. |
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