translating poetry

kborsden · Jan 17, 2007

I've been translating some older poetry of mine from Dutch to English. A good example is 'whispers in the dark'. I've been writing in two seperate languages for roughly ten years now. Not only is it a tiresome process to translate, because not only do you translate the words, but also the form, it can at times be confusing. Mostly I will try to translate the words into their closest form, but at times you can use in English a whole sentance that could be just a single word in Dutch, and vice-versa. This is where the restructuring comes in. It is almost like reverse enginering. I also find that I choose to write in either language because it simply sounds better at times or works better with the theme. Is it a fair comment to say that something is lost in translation? And if so, how does this relay to some of the epics such as Faust, originally German? Or even the works of more modern poets translated into many languages around the world for further appreciation? Do we really need to read a poetic piece in its original language and form to truly understand it, or appreciate it?

ddgryphon · Jan 17, 2007

"Do we really need to read a poetic piece in its original language and form to truly understand it, or appreciate it?"
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Only if we are capable of understanding it. I've read Hebrew poetry in translation and had it explained to me by a native speaker that there are more layers in the language than can ever be effectively translated for us. Words and word forms in older languages than American English are so complex in comparison that it is difficult for us to appreciate when confronted with the limitations of our own youthful language.

To answer the question, I think it is important to get as close to original intent of a poem when being translated as is possible, but it needs to open that poem and its meaning to the language into which it is being translated.

If it is maningless and unaffecting in translation that is the fault of the translator. Translation in this context is more art than work.

IMO, of course.

Rivana · Jan 17, 2007

Yes, but...
No, however...

Take your pick.

Some poems really don't translate well, while others do. It depends from poem to poem, from translator to translator. The best thing is if it's the poets themeselves that do the translating, but this doesn't always work very well either. Bottomline -sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. As far as translating the poets original intentions goes at least. As for truly understanding or appreciating a piece -who can ever really understand or appreciate a work of art to its full extent any way?

translating poetry

kborsden

Has a few recurring issues

ddgryphon

King of Sloth Town

Rivana

Walks in the shades.