Li Bo looking at the moon
We might think of translation as a relatively straightforward process of switching a text from one language to another—something you might just use a dictionary to do. But those of you who’ve learned a second (or third, or fourth) language know that a straight, word-for-word, dictionary translation is rarely satisfying and often doesn’t even make sense! Such a translation can’t capture tone, idiomatic expressions, irony, or any number of other things that are important to literature—and maybe especially to poetry. Instead, expert translators try to capture the tone of the original work, to evoke what the original text attempted to evoke. In this sense, translation (like adaptation) is a process of interpretation.
For Tuesday, read the packet of poems by Li Bo that I distributed in class. (It’s also posted on this blog under “Readings and Handouts” if you lose track of yours.) In a post of your own, first point out three differences you see in the different versions of “The Song of Ch’ang Kan” that you read; please be as specific as possible (quote lines and be sure to refer clearly to which version you’re discussing each time), even if you’re not sure of how to put your impression into words. Just try. (Note: you may not talk about every version.) Then, write a brief statement about which version you like best and why.
There will be no additional reading for next Thursday; just make sure to reread the poems (and annotate them!) to prepare for class discussion. And be sure to leave one comment on someone else’s post before class on Thursday. (Set yourself a reminder if you have to!)