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**XangadsX** · 10-23-2009, 11:36 AM

From what I've heard Hungarian literature runs away close from Germanic literary circles, so the only doubt I had from your comments is why read Hungarians in Spanish? I think It'd be easier in English.

Hehe, I do my research, my friend!! First, I'm not so sure that Hungarian stems directly from Germanic origins, but I agree it sounds closer to English than to Spanish. I chose Spanish however, at least in the case of S?ndor M?rai, because I learnt that most of his publications in English were translated from already poor German translations. Remember M?rai was banned from publishing in Hungary so most of his novels were smuggled into Germany and then translated there, and then in Canada.

A good translator is almost as important as the original writer. Not that a brilliant translator will improve on a bad writer, but a faulty translation can certainly ruin a good book. We used to have excellent translators in Argentina, particularly from the French. To think that Simone de Beauvoir was translated by Silvina Bullrich, and Marguerite Yourcenar by no less than Julio Cort?zar. Those were the good days!!

10-23-2009, 11:36 AM	#6
XangadsX Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 452 Senior Member	From what I've heard Hungarian literature runs away close from Germanic literary circles, so the only doubt I had from your comments is why read Hungarians in Spanish? I think It'd be easier in English. Hehe, I do my research, my friend!! First, I'm not so sure that Hungarian stems directly from Germanic origins, but I agree it sounds closer to English than to Spanish. I chose Spanish however, at least in the case of S?ndor M?rai, because I learnt that most of his publications in English were translated from already poor German translations. Remember M?rai was banned from publishing in Hungary so most of his novels were smuggled into Germany and then translated there, and then in Canada. A good translator is almost as important as the original writer. Not that a brilliant translator will improve on a bad writer, but a faulty translation can certainly ruin a good book. We used to have excellent translators in Argentina, particularly from the French. To think that Simone de Beauvoir was translated by Silvina Bullrich, and Marguerite Yourcenar by no less than Julio Cort?zar. Those were the good days!!
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