The American tradition of translation has evolved through a complex interplay of cultural, linguistic, and historical factors that reflect the country’s diverse society. Unlike some nations with centuries-long centralized literary traditions, the United States has approached translation as a practical and often adaptive practice, driven by the need to communicate across multiple languages and cultural contexts. From the earliest colonial period, translation was primarily functional, aimed at religious dissemination and intercultural communication. Missionaries translated the Bible and other religious texts into Native American languages, demonstrating an early engagement with linguistic diversity, though often framed within the imperatives of conversion and cultural assimilation. This practical focus laid the groundwork for a broader understanding of translation as a bridge between different cultural worlds. During the 19th century, the American literary landscape began to