Translating Poetry: Is the Soul Lost?

Thread starter drizzle
Start date Jul 1, 2010

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The discussion centers on the challenges and nuances of translating poetry, emphasizing that much of the original's essence is often lost in translation. Participants express that the beauty and "soul" of a poem are deeply tied to its original language, with many agreeing that translations can alter meanings and emotional impact. Some share personal experiences with translations, noting that even skilled translators may struggle to capture the original's rhythm and subtleties. The conversation touches on the idea that cultural context and language-specific nuances complicate translation, making it difficult to convey humor or emotional depth accurately. There is also a recognition that while some translations can be beautiful, they may not equate to the original work. The thread concludes with reflections on the importance of experiencing poetry in its native language to fully appreciate its artistry.

Apr 1, 2014

Romulo Binuya

Another poem, shared by a Romanian friend which she admitted her translation is inadequate. It seems to me that it's about sadness felt upon the arrival of Autumn and I offered "Autumn Blues" as a title. Unsatisfied with her translation, I googled it and found a better translation with explanation why the poem couldn't be translated well enough. http://fantasypieces.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/nichita-stane-2-2/
The poem with its original verses could also be sang as is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbT-9_mdx8c&feature=youtube_gdata_player