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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: I wish I could speak German!

Post Subject: I think it's the other way aroundPosted by steverino on: 11/12/2012

"Perhaps I need to pick a German girlfriend and get German by the “other” means."

I would think that it's more customary to learn German (or fill in the blank language) because one Wants a German girlfriend rather than the other way around. Certainly women think that guys want to learn a language because they are attracted to the women of that country.

As for reading the original vs the translation I think it makes a difference more for an appreciation of the artistry than the thought or meaning behind it. I can read French and have actually translated some French poetry. The meaning is not hard to state, its just that the form or surface characteristics of a language suggest or facilitate certain ways of expressing a thought that don't work precisely that way in translation. I think dual language texts are a good way of presenting poetic translation for that reason. Translations of prose or non fiction are generally very good quality in my experience and don't really "lose" much.

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