English Rewind - 6 Minute English: Shakespeare in plain English

TL;DR

Discussion on translating Shakespeare's plays into simple English.

Transcript

Hello! The programme you're about to listen to was originally broadcast in October 2015 on the BBC Learning English website. We hope you enjoy it. 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English dot com. Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm Finn. And I'm Neil, hello. Today, we are talking about Shakespeare. Oh, yes, to be or not to be, that is the... Read More

Key Insights

• The Oregon Shakespeare Festival aims to make Shakespeare's works more accessible by translating them into plain English, sparking debate among scholars and audiences.
• The term 'translation' in this context refers to converting Shakespearean English into simpler language, not into another spoken language.
• Shakespeare's plays have been translated into numerous languages worldwide, illustrating his multifarious nature and global influence.
• Andrew Dickinson highlights the diverse forms Shakespeare's works take globally, including translations into fictional languages like Klingon.
• Greg Doran of the Royal Shakespeare Company emphasizes the complexity of translating Shakespeare, balancing meaning, pace, and poetic elements.
• Critics argue that simplifying Shakespeare might strip away the richness and depth of his original language and intentions.
• The first language Shakespeare's plays were translated into was German, dating back to the early 17th century.
• The debate over translating Shakespeare touches on broader themes of accessibility versus preserving artistic integrity.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main goal of translating Shakespeare's plays into plain English?

The main goal of translating Shakespeare's plays into plain English is to make them more accessible to modern audiences. By simplifying the language, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival aims to help people better understand and appreciate the themes and stories without being hindered by the complexities of Shakespearean English.

Q: How does Andrew Dickinson describe Shakespeare's influence worldwide?

Andrew Dickinson describes Shakespeare's influence as multifarious, meaning that Shakespeare's works exist in many different forms and translations around the world. His global travels revealed that Shakespeare's plays are not only translated into numerous languages but also adapted into various cultural contexts, highlighting the playwright's universal appeal.

Q: What challenges does Greg Doran identify in translating Shakespeare's plays?

Greg Doran identifies several challenges in translating Shakespeare's plays, including the need to balance the translation for meaning, pace, and poetry. He emphasizes that a simple translation may capture the general sense but can miss the depth and richness of the original language, which includes the rhythm and poetic nuances that are integral to Shakespeare's work.

Q: Why is there criticism against translating Shakespeare into plain English?

Criticism against translating Shakespeare into plain English stems from concerns that it may dilute the richness and complexity of the original text. Critics argue that Shakespeare's language is an essential part of his plays' artistic value, and simplifying it might reduce the depth and poetic beauty that have made his works timeless and revered.

Q: What does the term 'multifarious' mean in the context of Shakespeare's work?

In the context of Shakespeare's work, 'multifarious' refers to the diverse forms and interpretations his plays have taken around the world. This includes numerous translations into different languages, adaptations into various cultural settings, and even translations into fictional languages, all of which demonstrate the wide-ranging impact and adaptability of his works.

Q: How does the translation of Shakespeare's plays relate to the theme of accessibility?

The translation of Shakespeare's plays into plain English relates to the theme of accessibility by attempting to bridge the gap between the original Elizabethan language and contemporary audiences. This initiative seeks to make Shakespeare's complex texts more understandable, thereby encouraging wider engagement and appreciation among people who might otherwise find the language barrier intimidating.

Q: What historical fact is revealed about the translation of Shakespeare's plays?

A historical fact revealed about the translation of Shakespeare's plays is that German was the first language into which they were translated, as early as the first decade of the 17th century. This indicates the early and widespread interest in Shakespeare's works beyond English-speaking countries, contributing to his enduring global legacy.

Q: What broader themes does the debate over translating Shakespeare touch upon?

The debate over translating Shakespeare touches upon broader themes of cultural preservation versus modernization, the importance of artistic integrity, and the balance between maintaining the original's richness and making it accessible to a wider audience. It raises questions about how best to honor classic literature while adapting it for contemporary consumption and understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's initiative to translate Shakespeare's plays into plain English aims to make them more accessible. This idea has sparked debate among scholars and theatergoers about the potential loss of depth and richness in the original language.

• Shakespeare's works have been translated into many languages worldwide, including fictional ones like Klingon, showcasing his global and multifaceted influence. Experts highlight the challenges in balancing meaning, pace, and poetry in translations.

• The discussion raises questions about the balance between making classic literature accessible and maintaining its artistic integrity. The first recorded translations of Shakespeare's plays were into German in the early 17th century, reflecting their longstanding international appeal.