New Essay at AuthorScoop

[poetinahat]

I've just posted an article (http://authorscoop.com/2010/09/27/in-other-other-words-considering-translation/) over at AuthorScoop - some thoughts on translation, whether it's a help, or whether it corrupts the original intent. It might be something that interests you, and if you have any thoughts or comments, I'd welcome them.

If you read it, I hope you find your time well spent. In any event, AuthorScoop is a wonderful place to explore.

[Steppe]

Thank you Poet for posting this, and congrats to Mark Wakely for having his poem recognized here.

I do believe that translations are really interpretations. I see nothing wrong with this as long as folk realize what they are getting for their money.

Ruth and Matthew Mead translated The poems of Johannes Bobrowski into English. This work has been called a classic of the translaters art. Bobrowski himself, who know English read and was pleased with the results.

Still I think it was an interpretation and as such belongs as much to the interpretors as the original poet. I have many translations and enjoy them all. Short of learning many languages, what else can we do?

Again congrats to Mark.

[Cassie88]

Thank you Poet for posting this, and congrats to Mark Wakely for having his poem recognized here.


HERE HERE!

My sister, Jill speaks fluent French. We both love French singers. So many times, I've asked her to translate a word or phrase only to have her think, stutter, think, stutter, and then finally say, "There is no English word or phrase that holds the exact meaning and feeling. For the sake of understanding, it means blah blah blah, but it really means so much more than that."

Bravo to you Rob for an excellent article and to Mark for a truly beautiful and insightful poem.

[Magdalen]

Good stuff, there! Really enjoyed it, especially since I did spend some time studying the Symbolists and Baudelaire. I found your essay very interesting and loved how you incorporated the info about the translators. I was familiar with Edna's work and also have enjoyed the translations of Lewis Piaget Shanks. Thanks for linking me to your genius!

[Priene]

I'm afraid AuthorScoop is totally down at the moment.

[poetinahat]

They're on the case, I'm happy to know.

Thank you all for your comments. Mark just happened to post his poem just as I was wrapping up the essay, and it eloquently states the complementary assertion to my thesis. It was gracious of Mark to consent to my including his poem.

[MacAllister]

Rob, I'm sure they're busy as all heck working to get the site back up. Let 'em know if I can help at all, to drop me a note, though.

I'm looking forward to reading your essay!

[poetinahat]

AuthorScoop is back online.