Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 3, 2022:

@Tom Hello Tom. Sorry I didn't answer earlier. The deadline took over! For most of my queries I was able to add plenty of context as the full article is already in public view. This little text appeared as a quotation before the main article as a standalone quote (as in books at times). Plus there are 3 language versions on the website so I've been trying to juggle some consistency where I could. This is some of what made it tricky, including the fact that I had no idea whether the character referred was a "he". I was revising an English version of the text which had the character as he, not she. Toni citing a translation of the book gave me the answer to both of those in the end, so I picked it for the text. I have chosen your answer as that is what I would most likely have gone with if I hadn't had access to a published translation and it was e.g. within a paragraph etc. Its been a problematic text with multiple quotes and no references, and hours of research to understand what each quoted author might have meant, which is why I have picked published translation options when I could find them. I hope this answers your query. I totally agree re providing as much context as possible.

Michele Fauble Dec 2, 2022:

Nothing wrong with “His health ran out”. Google it.

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Toni That's kind. But actually it's an issue for all of us as translators. We could all be in that position at some point. I think I will put the links in and flag it up (there are myriad quotes). Unless other colleagues say otherwise.

Toni Castano Dec 1, 2022:

@Domini Whatever you do, I am sure it will be the right choice. I can read between the lines.
When you quote literary works already published, you should specify the source and the authors. This is just logical and fair, and I am sure you know how to handle it.
Best of luck.

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Toni and all I can only give the client the links and ask them to do it. The references haven't been given in any of the languages sadly. It's either they go with a published translation for most quotes where they exist, or I translate them all which will take forever. I opted for what has been published where it exists, not least because some quotes are v old with some of the differences in language at the time. What to do... My instinct has been that where there is an English translation they should use it as it could come up when Googling and/or give the authors more hits online. But as to the translators being credited (which is quite right), the only thing I can do is flag it up with the client. If however I'm contravening copyright by doing that (groan), I'll have to start from scratch and final deadline is tomorrow. This is most likely a good conversation to be having. Just wish I had thought to have it earlier! Can I suggest the client puts links in the text (or do it myself) so that it links directly to the online sources I do have?

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Tom I think you're right in terms of the English.

Thomas Walker Dec 1, 2022:

I'm still not convinced that "her health gave out" or "her health ran out" is, either of them, good, colloquial English. "Her body just gave out" rings truer to me.

Toni Castano Dec 1, 2022:

Clarice Lispector: The Hour of the Star https://books.google.es/books?id=ZqL-DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT52&lpg=PT...
Page 51.
Translation by Benjamin Moser. Domini: I am sure you can use this translation without any hesitation. But in that case, do mention the author of the work.
Good luck :-)

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@moderator Unless the fact that it is a published translation contravenes rules, in which case I'll pick another?

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Toni Please do post it. It is the answer. It's just possible it could arise for someone else in future. No offence intended re other options proposed. I am hugely grateful for everyone's input. Just prefer to go with a published version as exists for the reason mentioned. It will be posted publicly so it's best for the client. I searched for ages before posting, but missed it. Sorry everyone.

Toni Castano Dec 1, 2022:

@Domini Glad to help. No need to post it as an answer. I am certain you will know how to choose what fits the best for your project.
Best of luck!

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Toni That's grand, thank you. I had thought of "Her health gave out" but my head is buzzing a bit so wasn't sure.
If it's a published translation I'll go with it as that is what I've been doing wherever I can so the client has proof if they get any queries (there's a sort of academic forum). Can you post it as an answer?

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

@Alexandra That´s interesting. This is what follows in the academic text´s first paragraph:
"De causa natural o sobrenatural, da casi lo mismo, pues al considerar la vida como un derecho innegociable y la muerte como el enemigo por antonomasia de la vida, siempre se muere prematuramente y siempre la vejez, la fase final de nuestro viaje sobre la tierra, adquiere el carácter de una etapa triste e injusta. Ahora bien, si el cese de las funciones vitales significa o no la extinción de la persona, afortunadamente, lo comprobamos después de morir, nunca antes." Do you still think the same? i.e. as the words "natural causes" are spelt out further on.

Toni Castano Dec 1, 2022:

@Domini For what is worth:

https://www.the16types.info/vbulletin/showthread.php/38290-C...
-- What did she die of?
-- Of nothing. Her health gave out.

The main character is a woman, a "she", but this is less relevant in the context of your question. I have read some texts by Clarice Lispector, a fascinating creature and writer, and directly related to the topic of your translation.
There are several possible translations of this source into English. This one is just one among many, sure, and you do not need to stick to it.

Domini Lucas (asker) Dec 1, 2022:

health I probably should have said that, in the context of what follows, the inclusion of health may be significant. "His health ran out" is what someone else put (it´s a revision) but, like Carol, I´m not convinced about it in English and couldn´t think of another option with health in it. Perhaps I need to rethink the inclusion of health based on comments already given. Just adding the thought.