JPN 410/510 TRANSLATION AND JAPANESE LITERATURE

This course will explore the theory and practice of translation as it relates to Japanese literature.  The course will have two main objectives. 

First, we will attempt to understand the nature and importance of translation.  What is it?  Why do we do it?  What does it mean?  In thinking about these questions, we will read, in English, significant statements of translation theory from the Western tradition;  reflections on the specific problems of translation from Japanese;  and accounts of the role of translation in the development of Japanese culture, and of the West’s understanding of Japan.  As a rule, the first class meeting each week will be devoted to these readings.

Second, we will grapple with the specific practice of translating Japanese literature into English.  How do we do it?  Who do we do it for?  What makes a good translation?  We will approach these problems two ways.  First, we will critique published translations of Japanese literature by comparing them to the originals.  Second, we will produce and critique our own translations of select passages from untranslated works of Japanese literature.  As a rule, the second class meeting each week will be devoted to these discussions. 

This course requires reading knowledge of Japanese of at least an upper-level undergraduate Japanese major level (i.e., be in or beyond 4th-year Japanese, or the equivalent).  Non-majors with demonstrated competence in reading Japanese are welcome.  Native speakers of Japanese are welcome, but translations will still be from Japanese to English.  Graduate students are welcome;  grade requirements for graduate students will be revised in consultation with the instructor. 

Poster