I’ve posted the last half of chapter 1, “Seijō no Ran (青条の蘭)”.
I wanted to add some notes about this part of the story. For example, Sekijin(迹人) is literally a “tracker” who gathers wildlife and vegetation from wild trees. And, Sekijin(迹人) is Hyōchū(標仲)’s position. But I have not done, yet.
By the way, for the Juuni kokuki series Ono sensei borrowed many words from ancient Chinese administration system, like 地官, 迹人, etc. And, she gave different meanings to some words. Originally, Chōsai(冢宰), Taisai(太宰), and Saiho(宰輔) had the same meaning. But in the series, these three express three different positions. Honestly, I want to write about such things. However, in English, always, “I cannot find adequate words to express my feelings” (in Japanese 「その心あまりて，ことばたらず。」 from the kana preface of Kokin Wakashū).
Actually, if I translate the meaning from the original context of the kana preface, it is “He cannot find adequate words to express his feelings”. But, the 「その心あまりて，ことばたらず。」 has neither I/he nor my/his. This is one of differences between Japanese and English.
4 replies on “The translation “Seijō no Ran (青条の蘭)”-#3.”
Thanks for the hard work!
Hi, Ugoki.
Thank you for waiting. Here you are. Enjoy it!!
In my opinion, you should leave them with the japanese names of the position, obviously you have to repeat what you said here in the notes of the translation. some things are not meant and/or are not able to be translated. Many other translators leave some words in japanese and explain their meaning, it really helps to understand what an author is saying. For example, when you use “boku” or “watashi” or “ore” to talk about yourself if you are male, some translators just translate it as an “I” but i believe this translation is not good enough, and when translators say what kind of “i” the characters used to talk about themselves it gives the reader a different perspective and brings a new understanding of the character and the story.
well this is my opinion, but i really prefer these kind of translations with notes and that explains those special details about the use of words and phrases.
Yes, I agree with you. On my new translation I will try to do it, though about old translations I cannot realize it immediately. Please wait patiently.