A friend took this photo at Karlstein Castle in the Czech Republic. It seems they don’t serve my kind in there.
Month: December 2016
Most people have a cold.
I do have a cold. I powered through it during Christmas preparations but spent the Feast of Stephen in bed. And that’s where I’d be today, as well, if there weren’t things to do. Most people have a cold in one of my favorite poems: Weltende, by Jakob van Hoddis. Good old Raymond Furness of St. Andrews… Continue reading Most people have a cold.
Translating Bat-ese
Bats are wonderful creatures. However, it seems that more often than not they use their vocalizations for squabbling and bickering, according to these Bat translators. Makes me wonder how much of our human language was born in conflict and discontent, and perhaps sheds new light on why all the great spiritual traditions are always telling… Continue reading Translating Bat-ese
“Halten Ruhe und Sprechen Deutsch”
Wait — what? This is supposed to say “Keep Calm and Speak German” (because what the world really needs is more variations on “Keep Calm and Carry On”). But (1) the words are in the wrong order and (2) if you put them in the right order they say “Keep Quiet and Speak German.” I… Continue reading “Halten Ruhe und Sprechen Deutsch”
Translators in Space, part 2
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s permission.” (Matthew 10:29) In the not-too-distant future, an observatory in Puerto Rico picks up some chorales broadcast from the Alpha Centauri system. In response, a party of Jesuits… Continue reading Translators in Space, part 2
Bruckner, the morning after
Bruckner showed both his Second and Third symphonies to Wagner [his idol, whom he had long worshiped from afar – LF], asking him to pick one he preferred. To Bruckner’s delight, Wagner chose the Third, and Bruckner dedicated the symphony to the master he highly respected. According to an anecdote, Bruckner and Wagner drank so… Continue reading Bruckner, the morning after
Google Translate presents German poetry classics
Thanks to Google Translate, you can now enjoy this sublime English version of Eichendorff’s Mondnacht. It was like heaven The earth still kissed, That she is in the glow of flowers Now dream of him. The air went through the fields, The ears of corn were soft, The forests rustled, The night was so clear. And… Continue reading Google Translate presents German poetry classics
Translators in Space
My first blog post! Went to see the film Arrival the other day and was predictably gratified by the centrality of a linguist/translator. A pretty good film, but if emotional violin music and soft-focus footage of babies make you cry, be prepared to exit the theater wiping your eyes and sniffling, to the alarm of… Continue reading Translators in Space