Introduction

The shadow heroes of translation: On translators of Slovak literature into English

Abstract

The art of translation has been one of the most important stimuli for the progress of civilizations. In the past, translators often were hidden characters, unnamed people who paved the way for some of the greatest contributions to the dissemination of ideas, knowledge and theories throughout the ages. The title of this paper is inspired by popular American writer and translator, Paul Auster, who described the translators as the shadow heroes of literature, the often forgotten instruments that make it possible for different cultures to talk to one another. The aim of our research is to describe the history and current situation in the field of English translations of Slovak literature. The focus is paid in particular on classification and characterization of their translators.