"Verse Translation" explores the complex art of translating poetry, focusing on maintaining a poem's essence across languages and cultures. It grapples with a central question: how can translators faithfully render a poem's spirit while navigating new linguistic and cultural landscapes? The book highlights that translating verse requires not just linguistic proficiency but also a profound grasp of poetic conventions and subtle cultural nuances.
Poetry provides unique insights into diverse cultures' values and beliefs, making accurate translations essential for fostering empathy. The book progresses from foundational translation theory to specific poetic elements like meter and rhyme, examining how translators replicate these effects. It also considers the problem of cultural transposition, showing how cultural references can be effectively conveyed.
Through comparative analyses and case studies, the book demonstrates different approaches to verse translation. A key concept discussed is "dynamic equivalence," which prioritizes a poem's impact over literal accuracy. The book aims to provide a practical understanding for students, translators, and poetry enthusiasts, acknowledging the inherent difficulties while advocating rigorous practices.
