Dagmara Kraus | Translating Polish Linguistic Poetry

With its high degree of flexibility in word formation and a pronounced ability for semantic condensation, Polish linguistic poetry presents a unique challenge to its translator, as it uses language as malleable, self-referential material. When transferring Miron Białoszewski's or Krystyna Miłobędzka's work into German, the process becomes particularly complex: structural, morphological, and semantic divergences significantly hinder transferability and appropriation. Achieving a convincing equivalence of neologisms such as "u niekończyn szyn" (Białoszewski) or "współzielona" (Miłobędzka) is rarely possible, requiring inventive means of creative compensation. This talk will focus on key translation problems and potential solutions arising from such extreme asymmetry.

Co-Sponsored by the Program in Linguistics.

Program in Translation and Intercultural Communications | View More Events
Co-hosted with: German Department, Princeton Institute for International & Regional Studies

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