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Better a flawed translation than none
By Greg Cusack |
May 4, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
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YOUR opinion pages continue to serve up some of the most thoughtful pieces I have found in any publication. An excellent example of this was the article "Chinese Concepts Lost in Translation" by Thorsten Pattburg, which appeared in the Shanghai Daily of April 26, and the always-insightful accompanying comments from the Daily's Wan Lixin.
Taken together, the two gentlemen's observations present us with a familiar paradox: While it is true that the subtle, and often quite profound, nuances of any language cannot easily, if at all, be translated successfully into another language, it is also true that in order to communicate with each other we must try our best to do so.
Both Dr Pattburg and Mr Wan, in fact, illustrate this point as they discuss the inadequacy of English translations of such important Chinese words (and concepts) as wenming and daxue. In so doing, they also illustrate how, by striving to be faithful to the fullness of those words' meanings and contexts, a better understanding of each - using the English language - can, nonetheless, be achieved.
I am ashamed to admit that the only other language I ever successfully learned to understand (if not fluently speak) was Latin, leaving me able to communicate only with the long dead. But this did allow me the ability to better appreciate the arguments of both Messrs Pattburg and Wan.
Poetry, as perhaps the best example, just is not the same when translated, both because any rhyme is lost but also because the weight of each word chosen by the poet can be subtly altered in translation, no matter how faithfully executed.
But we must continue to make the attempt, precisely so that the wisdom and aspirations of other peoples can be known and cherished by those who do not speak their language.
The reason why this is so vital is evident in these two articles, as they show how differently the Western and Eastern mindsets address important concepts, such as what constitutes a "happy" and "balanced" life.
In the West, while we certainly have words such as noble, commonwealth, and stewardship - all of which seem to also be encompassed in the elegantly simple wenming - these have fallen into disfavor in our "modern" times, overwhelmed by the language and outlook inherent in those who essentially worship "the markets."
We in the West need, I believe, for China to speak to us in and of your "China-ness." And, in return, China needs to be careful about adopting not only the language of Western "development," but also of being infected by the even more insidious mindset that accompanies it. In your pages, I have discerned - over the three years I have been reading them - alarming indications that the infection of vulgar materialism is spreading throughout your land, changing how you view and treat the environment, and each other.
Our species is collectively in danger: we have technology, but little wisdom; the ability to influence and change, but no sustainable vision that will allow our children's children to live in peace and sufficiency.
Striving for wenming, perhaps we need to be together first in a spirit of learning daxue in order that we will be ready to sit at the feet of our great wisdom teachers attempting to heed the words of the great Jewish prophet Isaiah, "Come, now, let us set things aright."
The author was a member of the Iowa State House of Representatives. He also served in the Iowan executive branch. He retired in 2004.
Taken together, the two gentlemen's observations present us with a familiar paradox: While it is true that the subtle, and often quite profound, nuances of any language cannot easily, if at all, be translated successfully into another language, it is also true that in order to communicate with each other we must try our best to do so.
Both Dr Pattburg and Mr Wan, in fact, illustrate this point as they discuss the inadequacy of English translations of such important Chinese words (and concepts) as wenming and daxue. In so doing, they also illustrate how, by striving to be faithful to the fullness of those words' meanings and contexts, a better understanding of each - using the English language - can, nonetheless, be achieved.
I am ashamed to admit that the only other language I ever successfully learned to understand (if not fluently speak) was Latin, leaving me able to communicate only with the long dead. But this did allow me the ability to better appreciate the arguments of both Messrs Pattburg and Wan.
Poetry, as perhaps the best example, just is not the same when translated, both because any rhyme is lost but also because the weight of each word chosen by the poet can be subtly altered in translation, no matter how faithfully executed.
But we must continue to make the attempt, precisely so that the wisdom and aspirations of other peoples can be known and cherished by those who do not speak their language.
The reason why this is so vital is evident in these two articles, as they show how differently the Western and Eastern mindsets address important concepts, such as what constitutes a "happy" and "balanced" life.
In the West, while we certainly have words such as noble, commonwealth, and stewardship - all of which seem to also be encompassed in the elegantly simple wenming - these have fallen into disfavor in our "modern" times, overwhelmed by the language and outlook inherent in those who essentially worship "the markets."
We in the West need, I believe, for China to speak to us in and of your "China-ness." And, in return, China needs to be careful about adopting not only the language of Western "development," but also of being infected by the even more insidious mindset that accompanies it. In your pages, I have discerned - over the three years I have been reading them - alarming indications that the infection of vulgar materialism is spreading throughout your land, changing how you view and treat the environment, and each other.
Our species is collectively in danger: we have technology, but little wisdom; the ability to influence and change, but no sustainable vision that will allow our children's children to live in peace and sufficiency.
Striving for wenming, perhaps we need to be together first in a spirit of learning daxue in order that we will be ready to sit at the feet of our great wisdom teachers attempting to heed the words of the great Jewish prophet Isaiah, "Come, now, let us set things aright."
The author was a member of the Iowa State House of Representatives. He also served in the Iowan executive branch. He retired in 2004.
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