A question for multilingual fans. - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Fingolas · 03-03-2002, 10:11 AM

I am curious as to how well Tolkiens work translates into other languages.

Other than my native English, (which has been known to give me trouble on occasion), I speak just enough Spanish to get me into trouble.

It occurs to me that Tolkiens style of writing, (what I have always referred to as Classic English, although I’m sure that is not accurate, British friends help me out here&#8230 [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img], may not translate into other languages very well. That is, the shadings, the subtleties and unspoken meanings that someone from Britain who has a tradition with this style of English would understand more readily than someone from another culture. I know that as an American, I ran across a few poems and songs that I had to read twice in order to get the full meaning.

I’m just curious to hear from those who speak and read in several languages. Have you read Tolkien in English and your native language? Notice any differences?

03-03-2002, 10:11 AM	#1
Fingolas Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: behind that tree over there Posts: 32	A question for multilingual fans. I am curious as to how well Tolkiens work translates into other languages. Other than my native English, (which has been known to give me trouble on occasion), I speak just enough Spanish to get me into trouble. It occurs to me that Tolkiens style of writing, (what I have always referred to as Classic English, although I’m sure that is not accurate, British friends help me out here&#8230 [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img], may not translate into other languages very well. That is, the shadings, the subtleties and unspoken meanings that someone from Britain who has a tradition with this style of English would understand more readily than someone from another culture. I know that as an American, I ran across a few poems and songs that I had to read twice in order to get the full meaning. I’m just curious to hear from those who speak and read in several languages. Have you read Tolkien in English and your native language? Notice any differences? __________________ It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.