Comments on the translation of Di ritorno dal Parà, a travel report by Oreste Mosca

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to studies on the translation of travel reports about the Amazon by presenting some chapters from the work "Di ritorno dal Parà: impressioni di viaggio di Oreste Mosca", published in 1899 by L. A. Campodonico, Genoa, Italy, which is still little known in Brazil. According to our research, this is the first Brazilian Portuguese translation of this work, from which key episodes have been selected. The digital collection of the Arthur Vianna Public Library, of the Cultural Foundation of the State of Pará, has a section of digitized rare works, among which is the work that is the subject of this study, written in Italian and with a preface by Oreste Calamai, director of the magazine L'Amazzonia. This study summarizes some considerations regarding the process of translation, analysis, notes and comments on some chapters of the work, which focuses on travel reports, and highlights aspects that deserve to be shared with the reader, since understanding the society, history and culture of the time is fundamental to the preparation of the final translation. Commented translation has grown in importance within Translation Studies, as it clarifies aspects of the translated work for readers, as well as the cultural and linguistic issues involved in the translation process. This establishes a connection between the source text and the culture of the reading public (NOUSS, 2010). In this context, the translator's active role as a mediator between cultures is evident, creating not just connections, but indissoluble bonds (ZILLY, 2000). General observations were made in relation to the text itself, covering aspects such as target audience, narrative, style, syntax and vocabulary.