Translation Adaptation Research Articles

Classic Russian Poetry in Spanish: An Essay on the Experience and Problems of Translation

It is thanks to translation, which is a challenging yet indispensable task, that Russian literature has come to be well known among the peoples of Latin America and has had a positive influence on their culture and spiritual development. Readers have been able to enjoy and appreciate many prose works by great Russian writers in Spanish. On the contrary, Russian poetry, which has also appealed to the Latin American audience, has not become as popular as the prose. Readers have had access to works by few Russian poets, with some of these poems translated from French or English. It is only recently that more poems have been translated directly from Russian into Spanish, which has attracted the interest of the public and has helped to promote classic works by distinguished Russian authors, such as A. Pushkin, M. Lermontov, S. Esenin, A. Blok, A. Akhmatova and M. Tsvetaeva. These recent advances in poetry translation raise certain issues, for instance, the technical difficulties of translating poetry in general and poems in Russian in particular, as well as the knowledge and skills it takes a translator to tackle poetry. In addition, a growing interest in Russian poetry translation begs the question of whether quality translation of poetry, especially that by eminent authors, is possible at all. Translation of poetry from Russian into Spanish allows readers to get to know the Russian world, understand its culture, humanistic and spiritual values, and, therefore, serves as a tool of intercultural communication and helps to strengthen cultural ties between Russia and Latin America.

Danish translation and linguistic validation of the GENDER-Q, a patient-reported outcome measure for use in gender-affirming care

BackgroundGlobally, the number of individuals identifying as transgender and gender-diverse [TGD] has grown in the last decade. This study aimed to perform a Danish linguistic translation and cultural adaptation of the GENDER-Q, a new patient-reported outcome measure [PROM] designed to evaluate outcomes of gender-affirming care.MethodsThe field test version of the GENDER-Q (959 items) was translated into Danish using guidelines from the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and the World Health Organization to ensure accuracy, cultural relevance, and validity. This included two forward translations, a backward translation, an expert panel meeting, and two rounds of patient cognitive interviews.ResultsThe forward translations resulted in revisions of 142 items, which were then harmonized to form the backward translation version. A comparison of the back translation to the original questionnaire led to a total of 43 changes to items and response options. The revised version was reviewed in an expert panel meeting and minor changes were made with 28 patient participants using cognitive debriefing interviews. The translated version was proofread, resulting in the Danish translation of the GENDER-Q.ConclusionsThe GENDER-Q was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Danish TGD adult population. The GENDER-Q has the potential to enhance the understanding and improvement of treatment and health-related quality-of-life outcomes for adults seeking gender-affirming care.Level of Evidence:Not gradable.

Poetry (re)translation and the nursing practice

ABSTRACT Poetry (re)translation can be used as a medium of instruction to enhance nursing students’ creative capability and increase their penchant for English language learning. This exploratory paper – inscribed within the evolving scholarship of narrative-based medicine [Charon et al. 2017. The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine. New York (NY): Oxford U Press], unveils nursing students’ reflections about nurses’ diverse responsibilities and their apprehensions of the nursing practice. Initially, I have, closely and thoroughly, examined their outputs. Then, before translating the creative pieces into Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and retranslating them into English, I had in mind these four criteria: (a) Theme and Content; (b) Metaphors and Vivid Imagery; (c) Emotional Resonance; (d) Readability.

Voice-Over Translation of Musical Poetry in Films (an Analysis of Song Lyrics from the Musical Film “Grease”)

The features of voice-over translation in musical films, with a particular focus on song lyrics, were explored. Key methods best suited to the demands of such translation were analyzed and categorized. The insights were drawn from a detailed case study on the voice-over translation of song lyrics in the iconic musical film “Grease”. Compressed free translation and semantic translation, each with its strengths and limitations, were identified as the primary approaches used to preserve the intended meaning and musicality of the translated song lyrics. The obtained results, however, show that much can be lost through excessive compression, thus leading to semantic errors and an overall failure to meet the requirements for fidelity and quality in translation, which is due to a loss of expressiveness, as well as an inability to capture extralinguistic and linguistic nuances. Additionally, common challenges encountered while performing voice-over translation of song lyrics in musical films were summarized. By highlighting these potential pitfalls, the importance of preserving the original’s integrity and essence to effectively adapt it to new linguistic and cultural contexts was underscored.

Translating Gellert: Marianne Wilhelmine de Stevens’ reflections on marriage

ABSTRACT This article analyses the creative translations of Marianne Wilhelmine de Stevens, focusing on her French verse versions of Christian Fürchtegott Gellert's tales Der zärtliche Mann and Die zärtliche Frau (1746/1748), which – I will argue – ironically expose gender prejudices in order to criticise them. My comparison of her versified translations of 1777 with the original German texts, on the one hand, and the French prose versions published by François-Vincent Toussaint in 1768, on the other, demonstrates the extent to which de Stevens was able to reconcile her literary aspirations with her reflections on the role of women, especially that of wives within the marital context. Despite the constraints of a verse translation, de Stevens clearly distanced herself from Gellert and her predecessor Toussaint by offering a new reading of the two tales in question.

A Study on the English Translation of Poetry in Governance Literature from the Perspective of Three Dimensional Transformation

A Study on the English Translation of Poetry in Governance Literature from the Perspective of Three Dimensional Transformation

Church Slavonic Version of Caesar Baronius Annales Ecclesiastici and Chudov Translations from the 17 th Century: Comparative Analysis of Vocabulary

The article presents linguistic arguments in favour of a following hypothesis: a Church Slavonic translation of Caesar Baronius Annales Ecclesiastici (from the Polish adaptation made by Piotr Skarga), preserved in a 1689 manuscript (being kept in RSL, f. 256, no. 15), belonged to Moscow Chudov Monastery translators. By comparing the language of the manuscript at the lexical level with the translations reliably attributed earlier, the author discovers several parameters common to this version of Annales and Chudov translations, particularly, the translation of Piotr Skarga The Word for Mercy sermon and the New Testament translation accomplished by Epiphaniy Slavinetskiy. The common features are as follows: the widespread use of composita (compounds) not supported by the Polish text; equally widespread use of verbs with the -stvo- formant; the choice of words of Greek origin as equivalents for lexical units of Slavic and German origin; elimination of Latin borrowings, familiarized in the Polish text, and their translation through Slavic derivatives. Among the lexical units, there are non-trivial formations not recorded in lexicographic editions. In each of the positions mentioned, one can observe free variability that complicates the overall picture and introduces the Church Slavonic version of Annales to the centuries-old tradition of the ancient Slavonic translated Christian literature.

Transpozycja metryki antycznej w przekładach na język polski – próba klasyfikacji

TRANSPOSITION OF ANCIENT METRICS IN POLISH TRANSLATIONS – AN ATTEMPT AT CLASSIFICATION The article discusses the existing ways of translation – transposition of ancient metrics into Polish, along with a proposal for their classification. It addresses the issue of metrical equivalence in a language that does not have a quantity and it shows, how the principles of quantitative metrics can be replaced in translations of poetry. These issues are discussed by several selected examples from epic and lyric, and the types of transposition were defined and characterized.

The Translation, Dissemination, and Evolution of Poetry from the High Tang Dynasty in France

The 17th to 18th centuries marked the beginning of cultural exchange between China and the West, during which Jesuit missionaries played a significant role. They introduced the latest Western thoughts and scientific advancements to China while providing detailed descriptions of China in their letters sent back to Europe. Additionally, they translated many Chinese texts, with French Jesuits contributing the most influential works. Among these translations were various collections of Tang poetry translated into French. In the 19th century, the first collection of Tang poetry in French was published in France. Subsequently, an increasing number of French translators, sinologists, and Chinese scholars became involved in the translation of Tang poetry, enriching the variety of French translations. The translation and dissemination of Tang poetry in France have become an important aspect of Sino-French cultural exchange, garnering attention from numerous scholars. While there have been significant research contributions from scholars in both countries, much of the work has been conducted from a macro view, lacking micro-level studies focused on specific periods of Tang poetry, particularly regarding the poetry of the High Tang period. In light of this, this paper organizes and analyzes different versions of French translations of Tang poetry, primarily selecting works by prominent High Tang poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei. Through comparative analysis, the paper aims to explore how the translations reflect the French translators' understanding of High Tang poetry and the cultural concepts behind them.

The Commentary and Analysis of English Translation of Changsheng Mijue in A Description of the Empire of China and Chinese Tartary

The Cave English translation version of A Description of the Empire of China and Chinese Tartary, one of the "three major masterworks" of European sinology, involves the content of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the final section of which is a reorganized and abridged translation of Changsheng Mijue (The Secrets of Longevity) written by Shi Chengjin of the Qing dynasty. Through the discussion of original text and main content of this abridged English translation version, as well as an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and methods represented by the annotation translation, which is highlighted in this essay, it is suggested that the acceptance and understanding of the audience should be regarded as the fundamental criteria, various translation methods and strategies should be flexibly adopted, and the training of talents with compound cross-cultural skills and the promotion and practice of Sino-Western cross-cultural cooperative and exchange models should be continuously strengthened, so that more and more excellent ancient books of TCM can be boosted to spread overseas.

Ecological Translatology in the Translation of Ancient Chinese Poetry: A Case Study of The Departure from Baidicheng in the Morning

The paper explores the translation of Li Bai’s poem The Departure from Baidicheng in the Morning. Applying the Eco-translatology theory, it aims to analyze how different English translations—by Xu Yuanchong, Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie, and Weng Xianliang—reflect the adaptation of language, culture, and communication in the translation process. Given “Adaptation and Selection” Idea as well as “Three-D” Theory, the paper compares the linguistic, cultural, and communicative strategies employed by these translators. The findings suggest that each translation demonstrates varying degrees of adaptation, with Xu Yuanchong’s version achieving the most balanced ecological transformation. It is also found that Eco-translatology provides valuable insights into enhancing the accuracy and cultural transmission of Chinese poetry in translation.

Exploring the Strategies of Domestication and Foreignization in the Translation of Socio-Cultural Aspects in Mosteghanemi’s Novel Chaos of the Senses

Translating literary text under any genre often presents unique challenges for translators, as literature is rich with socio-cultural aspects. This difficulty arises from the need to communicate not only the literal meaning of words but also the cultural significance inherent in the original text. Culture significantly influences the formation of both the original and translated texts, as language is considered a reflection of society and derived from culture. When dealing with the socio-cultural aspects in Chaos of the Senses, written by the Algerian writer Ahlam Mosteghanemi, with its two translations, the socio-cultural aspects require a careful balancing act between the fidelity to the original text and the accessibility for the new readers. In this context, following L. Venuti's (2008) strategies of domestication and foreignization, the present study aims to explore these strategies in the translation of the socio-cultural aspects in the novel by comparing the original text with its translations. The study also examines whether the translators' background influences their decisions. It aims to create a clear vision of the Arabic and English versions. The findings indicate that, with some variation, both translators employ domestication and foreignization strategies, with a greater focus on foreignization. The translators attempt as much as they can to preserve the cultural nuances in the translation versions.

A Study on the English Translation of Pipa Song from the Perspective of Transknowletology

The construction of knowledge-based translation combines "theory knowledge" and "translaology", creating a new paradigm of translation theory in China. From the perspective of transknowletology, knowledge is the foundation of translation activity and the essence of translation, and translation is to translate the "knowledge" contained in the original language. Therefore, translation involves the problem of knowledge shift. As a representative of ancient Chinese poetry, Pipa Song is highly accomplished in the realms of both literature and artistry. Professor Xu Yuanchong’s translations of imagery, meter, rhetoric, and cultural knowledge in "Pipa Song" hold significant reference value and offer profound guidance. Taking the English version of Pipa Song as an example, this paper analyzes the knowledge turn in Chinese poetry translation from the perspective of transknowletology, so as to deeply understand the importance and value of transknowletology in poetry translation. It provides new ideas and methods for improving the quality and level of poetry translation, so as to spread Chinese culture better.

Comparative Analysis of the Chinese Versions of Never Let Me Go under the Translation Theory of Lin Yutang—Taking the Translations by Zhu Qiji and Zhang Kun as Examples

Based on Lin Yutang's translation theory, this article conducts a comparative analysis of two Chinese versions of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go - the translation by Zhu Qiji and the translation by Zhang Kun. It explores how the two translators, while maintaining the spirit of the original text, employ different strategies to deal with cultural differences and language expressions. Zhu Qiji's translation focuses on accurately conveying the original information, while Zhang Kun's translation pays more attention to the reading experience of the readers. Through comparison, this paper analyzes the differences between the two translation versions in terms of translation accuracy, fluency, and style reproduction.

‘Il fiore del verso russo’? Soviet poetry, publishing and the PCI in post-war Italy

In 1949, the Italian left-wing publisher Einaudi, related in varying degrees to the Italian Communist Party (PCI), published a poetry anthology entitled Il fiore del verso russo (‘The Best of Russian Poetry’), edited by scholar Renato Poggioli. The publication sparked debate, as both the editor???s selection of poets and his preface were deemed as not fully aligned with communist ideals. This created tensions between the publishing house and the party, as well as within the publishing house itself. In 1961, Einaudi published a second anthology, of Soviet-era poetry only, Nuovi poeti sovietici (‘New Soviet Poets’), edited by Slavicist Angelo Maria Ripellino. By this time the editors??? attitude, as well as the relationship between Einaudi and the PCI, had radically changed, as was visible in the reception of the later anthology. This article draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical framework for its analysis of the production and reception of these literary works, and argues that, through the debates on poetry translation, Italian cultural agents sought to position themselves within both the national context of the changing post-war distribution of power and the transnational exchanges of the Cold War. The translation of Soviet poetry becomes a lens through which we can see the micro-dynamics and contradictions that emerge in transnational cultural networks and movements.

DIVERSE OUTCOMES OF TRANSLATIONS OF LITERARY WORKS BETWEEN LANGUAGES OF VARIOUS LANGUAGE FAMILIES

The translation of literary works between languages belonging to diverse language families, such as Indo-European, Uralic, and Afro-Asiatic, presents unique challenges and opportunities. This article explores the profound impact of linguistic and cultural differences on the outcomes of such translations, emphasizing the complex interplay between semantic equivalence, stylistic fidelity, and cultural adaptation. By examining specific case studies, including translations of poetry, novels, and plays, this study highlights the nuanced strategies employed by translators to bridge linguistic gaps and cultural disparities. Key methods include comparative analysis of syntax, semantics, and cultural references, as well as an evaluation of the creative liberties taken to preserve the literary essence of the source text. The analysis underscores the critical role of cultural context in shaping translation decisions, illustrating how translators navigate idiomatic expressions, metaphorical language, and culturally specific elements. These findings not only deepen our understanding of linguistic diversity but also reveal the transformative potential of literary translation as a means of fostering intercultural dialogue. The study concludes with reflections on the implications for translation theory and practice, advocating for a more holistic approach that considers both linguistic and cultural dimensions to achieve meaningful cross-cultural literary exchanges.

Research on the Translation of Du Fu's Poetry in the BBC Documentary "Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet" from the Perspective of Variational Translation Theory

Poetry is rich in cultural imagery and complex rhetoric, making cross-cultural translation extremely challenging. The BBC documentary "Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet" introduces Du's poetry into the Western cultural perspective, aiming to discuss how classical Chinese poetry can be disseminated and reconstructed in cross-cultural contexts, so that the world can have a deeper understanding of the poet and Chinese culture from Du Fu's original intention, thoughts and other aspects. Based on Professor Huang Zhonglian's "Variational Translation Theory", this paper analyzes the linguistic characteristics of Du Fu's poetry in the documentary, explores the translator's linguistic transformation, the subtleties of diction, and cultural recreation in the translation process, and discusses the role of the three elements of translation in Du Fu's poetry in terms of the connotation and emotion, the translator's subjectivity, and the translator's fidelity. We discuss the role of the three elements of translation in the connotation and emotion of the original work, the subjectivity of the translator and the diversity of faithfulness in Du's poetry, and explore the effective dissemination of Du's poetry in a cross-cultural context.

A Contrastive Study of Chinese-English Translation of Ancient Poetry from the Perspective of Aesthetics of Reception: A Case Study of the Two Translations of Vain Longing

The Chinese literary classic "Dream of the Red Chamber" features a variety of poems and songs, with "Vain Longing," which serves as its theme song, being particularly popular among readers both domestically and internationally. Among the many translations available, those by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang, along with Hawkes' version, are the most prominent and hold significant research value. Acceptance Aesthetics, which emerged from the German critical school in the 20th century, provides a fresh lens through which to view the translation of ancient Chinese poetry. This paper utilizes Aesthetics of reception as its theoretical framework and focuses on the English translations of "Vain Longing" by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang as well as Hawkes found in "Dream of the Red Chamber." By examining their translation philosophies and approaches, this study aims to contribute insights for translating ancient poetry within literary contexts while enhancing global appreciation for Chinese poetic beauty and promoting classical Chinese culture.

Conveying the ‘Kick’ of the Original: W. B. Yeats's Late-career Engagement with Frank O’Connor's Translations of Irish Language Poetry

This essay explores the collaboration between W. B. Yeats and Frank O’Connor in the translation of Irish language poetry in the 1930s, examining the nature and extent of their partnership and its impact on Yeats’s work in that decade. The focus is on three Irish poems, two of which were composed by Aogán Ó Rathaille (c.1670–1726) – comparative analyses make it clear that O’Connor and Yeats shaped generally transparent translations and that their new poems mediated the ‘kick’ and ‘excitement’ of the original verse across the gulfs of time and language. Preoccupied by the loss of poetic audiences, Yeats was especially attracted to the relationship which he imagined to have existed between the Irish bards and their aristocratic patrons, and he took advantage of his editorship of The Oxford Book of Modern Verse to introduce the translated poems of this humiliated and suppressed tradition to a new and wider audience. His accomplished literary ballad ‘The Curse of Cromwell’ provides compelling evidence that Yeats’s encounter with these eloquent invocations of despair and loss creatively inspired him, not only stylistically but also thematically.

Il nodo della storia. Appunti sul tradurre poesia

After a few reflections on translating, I make a distinction between translating prose and poetry and consider the problem of rhyme. I then present some examples of my work as a translator of German lyric poetry with translations from Nietzsche, Benn and two contemporary poets a generation apart, Enzensberger and Grünbein. Finally, I go back two centuries to consider a play by Kleist, which sounds very dated and raises the problem of how to translate verse drama for today’s audience.