Translation

Translation is always a tricky process, since words or phrases or ideas in one language often don't have a precise equivalent in another language, even if they purport to express or refer to the same thing. That challenge is a given. What do you do, however, when an exact meaning does exist but you don't think most of your target readers will be familiar with the appropriate word?

For example, "dovecote." How many contemporary readers will find this word meaningful and won't stumble over it in a sentence? Perhaps I'm underestimating the reading public, but I don't think most people come across this word or this object in daily life. And yet it's the exact word that's necessary for the original sentence in French. After all, a dovecote is where doves live, so there's no problem with the meaning or the literal translation. But maybe "coop" would be a better choice for my target audience.

OK, this will obviously be a very limited sample, but for any of you currently reading this post, please vote for the option that you'd prefer: (1) dovecote, (2) coop, (3) another suggestion.

Just think of this as practice for Nov. 2nd. And at least I'm offering a viable 3rd alternative by asking for your suggestions!!!