is "translating" on the program insulting?

erhamel89 · June 2013

Not sure if this is the right board for this, but here goes.

One of our readings is a Shakespeare poem. I studied Shakespeare in college, but my fiance didn't, so when I first read it to him, he even had a hard time understanding it. I asked my sister/matron of honor if what she thought of putting a modern-language translation in the program and she said she would appreciate it, but I have a feeling I'm insulting my guests' intelligence and I'm concerned they'll think I think they're uneducated or something. It's a beautiful poem (Sonnet 116) and I have always wanted to use it at my wedding, but the language is challenging. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Peledreamsofrain · June 2013

That sonnet is pretty simple, and doesn't contain some of his more confusing euphemisms. If I were a guest and saw a translation for that particular sonnet, I'd scratch my head over it. I feel like someone who can't muddle through it can't really appreciate written poetry anyway.

HisGirlFriday13 · June 2013

I think putting a translation is a little insulting to your guests. I didn't major in English, but I'd still be offended that you thought I needed a 'translation' for a passage written in what is, after all, English. If it's that challenging, maybe you should rethinking using it.

I just Googled it (it's been awhile since I studied Shakespeaere). It's not that hard. People will be able to get the general gist. They don't need an in-depth literary interpretation. They'll get that it's about love and what love does/doesn't do.

No one will ever love that sonnet as much as you do, or assign the same depth of meaning to it that you do, and that's OK. But no translation.

daisey18 · June 2013

No. I also googled it. I can see how the beginning might be incomprehensible to some. But lemclanes last bit of advice to you is very true.

Many people actually do understand Shakespeare and still don't care for his work. I happen to be one of them. I've always found it exceptionally insulting when people try to "explain what it really means" to me.

I understand 50Cent just fine, and I don't like his work either

Ajuliana · June 2013

I am not familiar offhand with which excerpt you are going to use, but here's my one piece of advice on readings, speeches, sermons, etc at weddings--shorter=better!

Simply Fated · June 2013

We all (should have) learned Shakespeare in high school. I think it would come off as condescending to your guests if you try to dumb it down for them.
I totally get that your fiance needed a translation, but that doesn't mean everyone does and anyone who does want a translation can always just google it.

aurianna · June 2013

For the record, Shakespeare IS in modern English, at least as far as the standards that decide old/middle/modern go.

A big key in poetry is being able to read it and figure out what it means on your own and/or to see what kind of emotion and thoughts it brings out in you as the reader.
If someone is lost enough that they need an explanation, reading that explanation probably won't be that meaningful.

I'd just let the poem speak for itself.

cmclaire · June 2013

Ditto to PPs, just have the sonnet, no translation.

tiny speck · June 2013

I was expecting this to be about translation from another language, which I would not find insulting. There is no need to translate Shakespeare. Chaucer maybe, but definitely not Shakespeare.

tesskerr · June 2013

I don't think you need a translation. I hate poetry, my brain just doesn't get it. It's like reading song lyrics in novels, I have to skip over them. But if your reader does a good job, I would get that it's about love, and that's the main thing.

AddieCake · June 2013

I would be insulted if you "translated" that for me. It's really not difficult to figure out.

NOLAbridealmost · June 2013

Don't do it. It's Shakespeare, not rocket science.

efmcc67 · June 2013

I would be very insulted by this. Just leave it out. Your guests will be fine.

misssunshine17 · June 2013

I think having a copy in the program would be nice, but not a translation.

MairePoppy · June 2013

Do you think you're smarter than your guests? That's the impression I would get. Let the poem stand on it's own.

LAM524 · June 2013

No translation...although I understand your concern. Im a playwright. I do my best to deliver a clean, clear program. When developing my characters, story etc. I often contemplate if "they" will get somethings. Ultimately, I dont over write/explain because 1) I dont want to be insulting and 2) I often liken it to a movie in which I/we dont always understand somethings but we def. get the big picture. Dont worry, everyone will get something out of it. It will be beautiful.

emeejeeayen · June 2013

I think you know your guests better than we do. It wouldn't fly with my crowd, but if you think it's necessary I would either include the translation or not include the sonnet at all.

loca4pook · June 2013

honestly? your guest won't care that much about such a little nuance. Sorry, but they won't. They will listen to you ceremony more holistically, but won't be paying that close of attention to be stressed if they don't understand.

I wouldn't waste your time

erhamel89 · June 2013

Thanks, everyone. No colloquial translation it is!

NYCMercedes · June 2013

misssunshine17 said:

I think having a copy in the program would be nice, but not a translation.

I'd love a copy in the program. If your guests didn't get all of it, then the coud reread and ponder it.

is "translating" on the program insulting?

Re: is "translating" on the program insulting?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

is "translating" on the program insulting?

Re: is &quot;translating&quot; on the program insulting?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Re: is "translating" on the program insulting?