Language in Brien Friel's "Translations"
...rritory as well, since many countries speak different dialects of a language. Steiner’s ideas are clearly seen throughout Friel’s play. The idea that translation is essential can be seen in how the play ends. The characters learn that they can use modern English language while still preserving their Gaelic traditions and culture. To translate means “to change from one form, function, or state to another; convert or transform” (www.dictionary.com). When one translates something, they are not losing the original message, they are only putting it in a different form. McGrath talks about how Friel thought it was important that translation was used fairly. Friel builds on Steiner’s ideas again in the scene where Owen translates for Captain Lancey. Owen gives the townspeople a very brief summary of what Lancey says. He leaves out many of the “sinister implications” (McGrath 183) of Lancey’s message. Whether Owen does this out of naivety or cruelty is debatable. His actions prove to be damaging. Friel proves that translation, while helpful, can be used as a weapon. So while it is translation is important to uniting people under one language, it can also be very dangerous. Friel warns his audience to be careful with whom they trust when it comes to translation. The ideas presented in this scene are inspired by some of Steiner’s opinions. Steiner’s idea that language provides a sense of secrecy can be seen in Owen. According to McGrath “Owen’s translations of Lancey conceal as much as they reveal both from himself and from the others, except for his shrewder brother. Also Owen’s glib responses to his brother are obviously designed to conceal and evade rather than to communicate” (McGrath 185). McGrath then discusses the scene between Maire and Lt. Yolland. They both speak different languages yet they still try to communicate. They are able to tell what the other is saying through the emotion expressed in the words, not the words themselves. At the end of the scene, both are concentrating on the word “always” in their respective languages. McGrath points out that Steiner also influenced this scene. Steiner proposed the idea that sex and language are closely related. He says that “together they construe the grammar of being” (McGrath 186). Steiner also asks in his book “What is the status of ‘always’?” (McGrath 186). He claims that words...