translations, readers of TCITR
Mattis Fishman (mattis@argos.argoscomp.com)
Tue, 27 Jan 1998 16:36:43 -0500 (EST)
I really enjoyed what Rebecca had to say about translation, especially
how it helps us to become more familiar with foreign literary "flavors".
For anyone wanting to appreciate what translators go through, and
pick up some interesting points about foreign languages, it can be
fun to read the sci.lang.translation newsgroup for a while.
To combine two threads, "favorite" books and translations, I have
always been impressed with Brian Hooker's translation of "Cyrano
de Bergerac" (this, I believe is the common version used in schools).
>From what I have been told, the French version is quite different.
For example, in the famous speech in which he suggest various styles for
insulting his equally famous nose, rather than trying to translate
colloquialisms and mannerisms which would be meaningless in English,
I understand he supplied his own (rather nicely, in my opinion).
I believe it was Rachel who mentioned finding people who fell asleep
over TCITR. I have always wondered what the Ackleys, Stradlaters and
Sally Hayeses of the world feel when reading this book. Perhaps everyone
sees himself as Holden, or at least not as one of the more repugnant
denizens of Holden's world (speaking of secret slobs, no , not me...).
Then again, we have seen posts here relating how readers have come back
to the book to find that they have grown up somewhat while Holden has
stayed the same. Is there a time (and I suspect there is, though I am
too old already) when one is at an in between age when he becomes almost
embarrassed by Holden?
Last, and closest to home, my wife has been heard to say, "I don't think
I can't read this, I mean all these obscenities, but I can see why *you*
like it" - and I know she can.
all the best,
Mattis