I’ve decided to start translating Chinese poetry. I’m not trained in this, so I have no idea about the traditions/shades of meaning in these words. I’m planning to learn as I go. Criticism is warmly welcomed. For my first attempt, I’ve started with a poem that I’ve been told is easy – “one you learn when you’re 10 years old.” Let’s see how it goes…
回乡偶书
(贺知章)
少小离家老大回,
乡音无改鬓毛衰。
儿童相见不相识,
笑问客从何处来。
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“A Homecoming, Some Thoughts”
(He Zhizhang)
I was young when I left home
Old when I returned again.
The way I spoke didn’t change,
Not like this hair behind my ears.
Children saw me
But they didn’t know who I was.
Smiling, they asked me like a stranger,
Where are you from?