Lancashireman Jul 30, 2021:

Agree with Darin Literary translation ≠ literal translation
And as Phil intimates, hunting spiders isn't such a daunting prospect for a budding arachnologist.

Gordon Matthews Jul 29, 2021:

Thank you, Darin, for a very helpful comment.

Darin Fitzpatrick Jul 29, 2021:

Be careful not to distract In this context (a list of potential fears), I would consider simplifying the translation to just "spiders." That's a common fear that fits the list and serves the embedded humor. The specific type of spider is not relevant and not commonly stated in English.

Lesley Garbett (asker) Jul 28, 2021:

Thanks all so much for your posts, that's helped me no end :-). I'm a technical translator really and I don't have any experience of literary translation apart from during my studies. I am really enjoying the creative side of translating a novel though. There are so many cultural references, jokes, and idiomatic language that has proven challenging to translate but also thoroughly enjoyable. I think, however, I need some more experience translating these kinds of creative texts before I can embark on a full-blown novel. However, this might be an idea for the future.

Gordon Matthews Jul 27, 2021:

Ueber Menschen If "Ueber Menschen" isn't already being translated into English in its entirety, it should be. I haven't read it myself, but a friend is reading it and speaks enthusiastically about it. As I understand it, the novel addresses the divisions within contemporary German society and makes especially interesting reading in this election year. I don't have any experience of literary translation (unless you count hymns as literature). Otherwise I would be tempted to try to persuade a publisher to commission me to translate "Ueber Menschen". So, Lesley, you might want to investigate whether or not the novel is already being translated for publication in English and, if not, to look for a publisher, who might be persuaded to give you the commission.