Final answer:
The question does not attribute the preference for transliteration over translation to any specific individual. Transliteration is preferred in certain contexts, such as when dealing with historical texts, names from different cultures, or studies of writing system developments, to preserve the phonetic aspects of the original language.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question does not specify an individual who proposed that transliteration is a better term than translation. However, the preference for transliteration over translation in certain contexts is rooted in the desire to preserve the phonetic aspects of the original language when rendering it into another writing system.
For example, when dealing with historical texts or names from different cultures, scholars and experts may prefer transliteration to convey the correct pronunciation as closely as possible, as is the case with the pinyin system for Chinese names. This is particularly important in fields like historical studies or global history, where accurate representation of original names and terms is valued for its authenticity and educational significance.
Additionally, transliteration is fundamental in areas like linguistics and code evolution studies. In the context of the historical development of writing systems and attempting to render the Sumerian language into script, as discussed by French Assyriologist Jean-Jacques Glassner, transliteration plays a crucial role.
Hence, while transliteration may not always be better than translation (each has its proper use depending on context), the former is often favored when the goal is to convey the sound rather than the meaning of the words from one writing system to another.