Translation Assignment - LATN 399 - S22

Translation Assignment

  Commonplace Book

Overview

For this assignment, you will be asked to produce a definitive translation of a particular passage from Petronius. Through consultation with the original text as well as modern commentaries and translations of the passage, you will produce a translation of the passage that is not only grammatically accurate and idiomatic, but one that reflects the tone of passage, presents a clear narrative of events, and takes a strong stance on any controversial aspects within it. Put another way, it represent not just a word-for-word translation of the passage, but an interpretation of it. In terms of moving beyond the process of grammatical translation, I encourage you to read and contemplate Johanna Hanink’s article on translation and Emily Wilson’s interview about the process of translation.

In addition to producing a translation, you will also write a 500 - 600 word reflection on the process of coming up with your translation. In this reflection, you will explain, for instance, why you chose a particular tone in the passage or why you used a particular English phrase that wasn’t a word for word translation of the Latin. You will also highlight the places where you had to make a decision regarding the interpretation of a word or phrase and how you reconciled the difference in opinion that you found in commentaries or other translations. You will also discuss how Hanink and Wilson’s views on translation helped you to move beyond a more literal translation.

Below you will find the passage for translation, as well as a link to several translations of that passage.

Assessment

Each translation assignment will be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A satisfactory translation assignment will:

  • Be shared with me as a GoogleDoc by class time (11 AM)
  • Provide a grammatical accurate and idiomatic rendering of the Latin
  • Interpret the text’s tone and narrative flow
  • Include a 500-600 word reflection on the process that you used to come up with your translation
  • Explain your larger approach towards the translation with reference to Hanink and Wilson
  • Discuss how this approach manifested itself in your translation with specific examples
  • Highlight words and phrases that had multiple interpretations and how you ultimately decided which one to go with

Translation #1

Due date: March 3, 11:00 AM

For Translation Assignment #1, you will produce a “definitive translation” of Satyrica 38.6-16, Hermeros’ description of the freedmen at the Cena. Please find here the passage and three translations of it as well as Schmeling’s commentary on it. Don’t forget to consult the other commentaries by Smith, Severy-Hoven, and Courtney as well.

Translation #2

Due date: April 12, 11:00 AM

For Translation Assignment #2, you will produce a “definitive translation” of Satyrica 51-52.6, Trimalchio’s story about the man who invented indestructible glass and the theatrics that follow. Please find here the passage, three translations of it, as well as Schmeling’s commentary on it on it. Don’t forget to consult the other commentaries by Smith, Severy-Hoven, and Courtney as well.