Terry Thomas
Calling Your Inner Poet!!!!!

Poetry speaks to the inner man, but, what about poetry in a foreign tongue? What do you think? Are you as stimulated by poetry that has been translated from one language to another? Or do you believe the translation dilutes the meaning? Share your opinion and examples of your favorite poet are much appreciated. Expand our literary minds by sharing the work of poets from your corner of the globe.

Jun 26, 2014 6:35 PM
Comments · 7
3

It is better to read a poem in its original language because I believe in the cultural context of the written works. However, professional translators can do a great job translating poetry. It requires a great art in word manipulation, high sense of imagination and deep understanding of what is being done. 

June 27, 2014
3

I think the classical Persian poets translate very well into English.  Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, Sa'adi, Hafez, Nizami Ganjavi, and Molavi (Rumi) are all worth reading. Forough Farrokhzad and Ahmad Shamlu are two modern poets you might like also. Of course, Iranians will tell you the Persian versions are much better :P

June 27, 2014
2

the arabic people are famous by their tongue and poetries B)

try to read something in arabic :)

June 27, 2014
1

I think it is a big problem there are many ways in it but what is better? I dont know either.

What I think chinese poetry that is a form. So I even dont know what is poetry in English.

Perhaps, I would think you speaking words when you read out sonnet

 

June 28, 2014
1

Translated literataure seems spin-off work. In my country, there are some well-known professional tranlstators who amazingly manage to bridge the language and cultural barriers. Sometimes they are not afraid of changing the meanings of a sentence in order to create an art work that strikes the right cord of the readers, and it works. 

 

I personally prefer to read in the original languages (if I can) because I am able to be in touch with the authors' choices of expressions. 

 

In my opinion, great literary work should stand the test of time and different nationalities. 

 

June 28, 2014
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