Students in my Advanced French (Francophone Fables, Fairy Tales, & Folktales) class recently learned first-hand that translation is truly an art.
The class worked together to translate “La Cigale et La Fourmi,” the fable by Jean de La Fontaine, into English. It was incredibly fun to see their creativity at work! No computers were allowed, but they could use old-school dictionaries. They did an awesome job staying true to the meaning and including the rhyme scheme and rhythm.
See for yourself....
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“La Cigale et la Fourmi” Jean de La Fontaine 1668 La cigale ayant chanté Tout l’été, Se trouva fort dépourvue Quand la bise fut venue : Pas un seul petit morceau De mouche ou de vermisseau. Elle alla crier famine Chez la fourmi sa voisine, La priant de lui prêter Quelque grain pour subsister Jusqu’à la saison nouvelle. « Je vous paierai, lui dit-elle, Avant l’août, foi d’animal, Intérêt et principal. » La fourmi n’est pas prêteuse : C’est là son moindre défaut. « Que faisiez-vous au temps chaud ? Dit-elle à cette emprunteuse. — Nuit et jour à tout venant Je chantais, ne vous déplaise. — Vous chantiez ? J’en suis fort aise : Eh bien ! Dansez maintenant. » |
“The Cricket and the Ant” Advanced French Class Spring 2020 The cricket was a hummer All summer She found herself so deprived When the cold winds had arrived There was not a thing to eat Not plants, bugs, or any meat She was screaming at the door Of the ant, her stomach sore She begged for her to supply A bit of food to get by “Just until there’s food for me I will pay you back,” said she “Before harvest, trust my word What I owe you plus a third” The ant does not like to share It’s one of her smaller flaws “What did you in summer’s pause?” Said she with an angry glare “Night and then day at all hours I sang, not to bother you” “You would sing, that’s what you do! Good! Dance until spring flowers.” |