ABSTRACT
This chapter measures translating against the criteria for creativity identified in Chapter 1. It maintains that translating ability, like creativity, can be seen as one identifiable human characteristic that all bilinguals have to a degree – and that even monolinguals have, to the extent that all language use is translational – but which some bilinguals possess to extraordinary levels. The ability can be nurtured and trained, and guidelines can be provided to enhance this development. Translating moments occur in the individual mind, but can be influenced by prior practice and discussions with others, and many translating projects are group efforts. In the context of the wide variety of artefacts that qualify as artistic, translations may fall squarely within that classification. Translations are clearly original works, although imitation and copying remain characteristic of the manner in which they bring something new to the world.
