Translating Together

The modern foreign languages department began a series of poetry translation workshops run by the Poetry Translation Centre.

Aims

Etonians and students from LAE explored the process of translation, learning the principal aim of retaining as much meaning as possible from the original source language.

Working as a group, students were encouraged to consider how analysis of individual words provided insight into the poet’s culture, and in translating the poem as accurately as possible, were inspired to think about similarities to their own cultures.

Background

The workshops were very valuable for students of language, considering how the translation process can distort meaning. Indeed, there is no such thing as a perfect translation. The opportunity to meet and work with students from different schools helped to improve teamwork and communication skills.

Resources

Workshops were run at both Eton College and LAE with support from staff at both schools.

Impact

The workshops were very valuable for students of language, considering how the translation process can distort meaning. Indeed, there is no such thing as a perfect translation. The opportunity to meet and work with students from different schools helped to improve teamwork and communication skills.

Pupil Involvement

15 Year 11-12 students.

Frequency

Two workshops ran in 2019.