The Untranslatable in Language and the Poetic Return to Primal Expression
Language, in all its myriad forms, holds an inherent aspect of the untranslatable. This is particularly true in poetry, where the belief that poetry is more prone to the untranslatable than prose overlooks the underlying unity that connects poetry to a primordial language of raw emotion and instinct. This language, rooted in nature’s elements—shadows, trees, silence, falling stones, and soaring birds—forms a vital foundation for poetic expression.
Mia Couto, a Mozambican writer, eloquently captures this concept in his preface to "Translator of Rains": "A dialect called memory." Poetry fosters an immediate resonance between languages, transcending the barriers of grammar and syntax. This phenomenon is exemplified in the Chandeigne & Lima edition of Couto’s collection, where Élisabeth Monteiro Rodrigues’ French translation is presented alongside the original Portuguese text.
Examples of the Untranslatable in Couto’s Poetry
- Prophecy of the Woman at the Hour of Departure:
"Agora que vou partir" ("Now that I am leaving")
The brevity and directness of the Portuguese original evoke a sense of finality and departure. The French translation, "À présent que je vais partir," maintains the essence of the original while subtly shifting the emphasis towards the present moment of departure.
- The Footprint:
"Aquele mentira, afinal/ e consolo sem fôlego" ("That lie, after all/ and consolation without respite")
Couto’s juxtaposition of "lie" and "consolation" creates a paradoxical and unsettling image. The French rendering, "Ce mensonge, finalement/ est une consolation sans répit," captures the dissonance but may soften the abruptness of the original.
- My Sadness:
"A minha tristeza/ é a do astrónomo cego" ("My sadness/ is that of a blind astronomer")
The original Portuguese evokes a poignant image of a blind astronomer, unable to witness the celestial wonders they study. The French translation, "Ma…," presents a more literal rendering that conveys the astronomer’s blindness but may not fully capture the metaphorical depth of the original.
The Primal Language of Poetry
These examples illustrate the challenges and nuances involved in translating poetry. While direct translation may preserve the literal meaning, it can sometimes miss the subtle shades of meaning and emotional resonance that give poetry its power. Poetry, at its core, is a language of primal expression, connected to the natural world and the depths of human emotion.
Translators navigate the untranslatable by seeking equivalents that evoke the same sensations and atmosphere as the original. They delve into the hidden connections between languages, uncovering the universal threads that bind us. In doing so, they facilitate a kind of cross-cultural dialogue that transcends linguistic boundaries.
Ultimately, the untranslatable in language is a testament to the richness and diversity of human expression. It reminds us that language is not merely a tool for communication but also a vessel for creativity, emotion, and the exploration of the human experience. Through poetry, we glimpse the limits of language and venture into the uncharted territories of the untranslatable, where meaning and beauty reside in the interplay of words, images, and the echoes of our shared humanity.
