Translating poetry is a challenging and fascinating endeavor. Translation of poetry, with its subtlety and diversity, includes not only accuracy in language but also the expressions of emotions, rhythm, and spirit of the original work. The following article reflects some personal viewpoints and experiences when translating poetry from English to Vietnamese.
Deep Understanding of the Original Work
To translate poetry authentically, the translator needs to grasp the meaning, emotions, and messages that the author intends to convey. The translator must not only put themselves in the reader’s shoes but also act as both a perceiver and an analyst. They need an in-depth understanding not only of the content and form but also of the external factors surrounding the poem, including cultural and historical contexts, as well as the author’s writing style. For example, when translating Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” the translator must comprehend the author’s hesitation and contemplation at that moment regarding life’s choices, thereby conveying the poem’s depth and philosophical essence.
Preserving Rhythm and Melody
Poetry is not just about words but also about rhythm and melody. When translating, attention must be paid to recreating the original poem’s rhythm and melody to maintain its musicality and the seamless blend of words. The problem may turn complicated when the two languages do not share any similarity in their vowel system, making it challenging to replicate the rhythm and melody of the original work. For instance, Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” has a steady rhythm and gentle melody. When translating into Vietnamese, efforts should be made to retain this rhythm so that readers can feel the poem’s soothing quality and deep love.
Flexibility in Language
English and Vietnamese have different linguistic structures and expressions. Sometimes, a line in English cannot be directly translated into Vietnamese while still retaining its meaning and emotion. The translator needs to be flexible in word choice and sentence structure to convey the original poem’s spirit accurately. For example, the line “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” can be literally translated as “Ta có nên ví em với một ngày hè?” but to preserve the formality and romance, it can also be translated as “Có nên ví em như ngày hạ?”
Respecting the Author’s Style
Each author has a unique writing style, and this must be respected during translation. The translator should strive to preserve the author’s distinctive style, tone, and expression so that readers can appreciate the “uniqueness” of each poem. This requires the translator to grasp the rhetorical techniques used in the work and to empathize with the author’s perspective. For example, when translating Emily Dickinson’s poetry, it is crucial to maintain her peculiar perception of things and the conciseness of her lines. For instance, the line “Hope is the thing with feathers” can be translated as “Hy vọng là thứ có lông vũ” or “Niềm hy vọng là giống loài có cánh.”
Empathy and Creativity
Translating poetry is not merely about converting words but also about empathy and creativity. The translator needs to put themselves in the author’s shoes to understand and feel what they want to convey, thereby creatively expressing it in the target language. For example, Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” reflects the author’s contemplation and stillness as he pauses in the snowy woods. The final line, “And miles to go before I sleep,” has been translated into Vietnamese as “Còn xa xôi lắm trước khi tôi ngủ” or “Đường còn dài trước giấc ngủ yên” to convey the author’s sentiments about life’s journey and unfinished tasks. The creativity in the translation helps readers appreciate not only the meaning of the words but also the atmosphere and emotions the original poem evokes. Another example can be found in the manga series “Bungou Stray Dogs” by Kafka Asagiri. It narrates the tumultuous and eventful life of a young boy named after a short-lived author, was translated into Vietnamese as “Văn hào lưu lạc.” This translation showcases the translator’s creativity in highlighting the adventurous, tragic, yet contemplative life portrayed throughout the story. The title “Văn hào lưu lạc” effectively captures the essence of the original, emphasizing the wandering, dramatic, and introspective nature of the narrative.
Translating poetry is an art that requires a blend of knowledge, skill, and a passion for language. Through poetry translation, translators not only bring valuable works closer to readers but also contribute to cultural exchange between nations. Despite the challenges and difficulties, the translator’s dedication and enthusiasm will undoubtedly produce wonderful poetry translations. For instance, translating poems by famous poets like William Wordsworth, Emily Brontë, or Langston Hughes requires the translator to deeply understand each author’s cultural and historical context and writing style, while also being creative enough to recreate the work’s spirit in the target language. This allows Vietnamese readers to appreciate the beauty of these classic works and the richness of world literature.
*This article uses some examples collected from internet sources.
Trương Anh Khoa
