Why Translations Reshape Classics

Listen to the lesson carefully, then answer 3 comprehension questions. Pick one option per question.

Listen to the lesson

Question 1What is the main idea of the talk about translating classic literature?

Translators should copy every word of the original text exactly. Every translation reshapes a classic, yet translation keeps world literature alive. Modern readers no longer enjoy reading ancient epic poems. Poems should never be translated into more than one language.

Question 2According to the speaker, why do some translators deliberately modernise old texts?

To honour the original voice of the ancient authors. To sell more copies of ancient epic poems. To remove all the difficult poems from the books. To make the texts easier for new readers to understand.

Question 3What does the speaker suggest about how most readers experience a translated work?

They usually do not realise how much of the translator they are actually reading. They carefully compare dozens of competing English versions first. They prefer versions that keep all archaic expressions unchanged. They can easily hear the original rhythm in the new language.

Listenly

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