Latin Translation - How exact should you be?

[Inquisitive]

We had an interesting topic today at school, how much artistic licence should you have when translating from Latin into English.  I'm on the fence about it, but what are your thoughts.  Should you keep it as literal as possible, or should you make it easier to read?  How mush is too much and how does this affect the interpretation of the true Roman meaning??   

[Imperator]

Hello and welcome Inquisitive!

Interesting topic.  It reminds me of the study of history and the fact that we can never exactly know but that we must surmise by utilizing the facts at hand.
Now, the translation of ancient Roman latin will always be a difficult thing as the language has had approx 2000 years to grow. If anything I would be using all historical resources at hand including living resources, the Vatican.  However close to ancient Roman latin, I'm sure the latin spoken in the Vatican has changed somewhat over the centuries...
Like any language translation, a literal translation is obviously easy, it's when a true translation is required that 'life' experiences are needed...and this is obviously something, that unless you completely immerse yourself into the culture, you cannot completely claim to be achievable.

I'm prattling on here  ....anyone else care to comment?

[Inquisitive]

I hadn't thought about that angle before, but you are right about the need to immerse yourself in the Roman culture and history before you could even hope to have a half decent translation.  Any other thoughts?

[Imperator]

Well, I think the question of, "how exact should you be" should be answered with, as exact as the facts at hand lend them to be.
You mentioned that you are in school...are you studying Roman history?

[Tiglath]

First, I think it's a bad habit to ask others to do or help with your assignments.  It robs you of the thinking you are supposed to do.  Getting a bad grade after racking your brains for an answer if FAR better in the context of education than getting a good grade with the thinking done by others, even if partly. 

Hope that is taken as CONSTRUCTIVE comment.

The answer depends on who your readership is.   A school test may require a literal translation to show you know how the classics spoke.  But for other readers it may required adaptation to modern parlance.

When it doubt mix both if the passage it's awkward or obscure if rendered literally, giving the modern equivalent in a footnote.  Or the other way around, give the modern translation, with the literal translation annotated to show how differently the native speakers expressed themselves.   

No cookie cutter answer, I'm afraid, thinking still required for the best solution... 

[Inquisitive]

This isn't for an assigned piece, it was a question raised by a student that sparked a debate.  What difference is there between a debate among students and posting the same topic on this forum?  The benefits are that the debate is exposed to a larger group and hence more opinions thereby exposing those that view this thread to viewpoints that they had never before considered.  What did the ancient Romans do but debate??? (and go to war etc etc)  Why should someone posting a thread be critised for trying to open their eyes to different viewpoints.  Perhaps this thread is in the wrong section as it's not for an assignment, perhaps the lesson here is not to jump down peoples throats without knowing the full story lest you drive people away from forums such as this.

[Imperator]

Hello and welcome Tiglath!

This board is primarily for young students of Roman History and is designed to encourage and foster interest in the period through debate, discussion and sometimes...argument.

Let me quote a famous speech from Cicero directed to Antony...

"Shall we then examine your conduct from the time when you were a boy? I think so. Let us begin at the beginning. Do you recollect that, while you were still clad in the pretexta, you became a bankrupt? That was the fault of your father, you will say. I admit that. In truth, such a defense is full of filial affection. But it is peculiarly suited to your own audacity, that you sat among the fourteen rows of the knights, tho by the Roscian law there was a place appointed for bankrupts, even if any one had become such by the fault of fortune and not by his own. You assumed the manly gown, which you soon made a womanly one; at first a public prostitute, with a regular price for your wickedness, and that not a low one. But very soon Curio stepped in, who carried you off from your public trade, and, as if he had bestowed a matron’s robe upon you, settled you in a steady and durable wedlock. No boy bought for the gratification of passion was ever so wholly in the power of his master as you were in Curio’s. How often has his father turned you out of his house? How often has he placed guards to prevent you from entering? while you, with night for your accomplice, lust for your encourager, and wages for your compeller, were let down through the roof. That house could no longer endure your wickedness."

The Second Oration Against Mark Antony (44 B.C.)

[Janus]

If debate is not at the heart of our Roman Society, then we are all bound to be Plebians forever. May the discussion of this noble forum continue to uphold the 'Aequitas' virtue.

Janus

[Tiglath]

Hmmm. 

I could have sworn I read something to the effect that an assignment was due on this...  But on inspection I can't find such a thing.  Sorry.

Though misapplied here through careless reading, my point WOULD still valid if the false impression I was under had been true.   Debating a point is not the same as getting other peoples to do your assignments. 

Sorry again. 

[Inquisitive]

I agree, had I been posting solely to have this forum do my assignment I would be cheating myself out of learning which is pointless in my view.

Thanks for your apology.  It's accepted.