张三丰 and translation

[imron]

I'm aware of the basic principles of Taoism. However it's difficult to get the meaning that he is skilled at 武功 across without mentioning something about fighting. 'Wugong' is useless because it means nothing to the average English reader, however perhaps something like Kungfu would work, e.g.:

I'd always heard that the Kungfu skills of your master, Zhang Sanfeng, were unparalleled, and was disappointed that ...

or

I'd always heard that your master, Zhang Sanfeng, had no equal at Kungfu, and was disappointed that ...

I agree about the different experience in reading a translation compared to the original. In translation, and especially literary translation, you'll never capture the full majesty of the source material, and often run the real danger of completely spoiling it if translating too literally/trying to preserve exact sentence structure and order.

[Outofin]

Xie Xun stared at him askance, and spoke: "I had heard Master Zhang's skills were supreme in all the land, and so regretted that Fate had not seen fit to cross our paths. But if he is to be adjudged by the unremarkable attainments of his senior disciple, then perhaps it is no great loss of mine."

Interesting. I really should expand my English reading. What authors write like this? Any recommendation?

[imron]

If you like 武侠小说 you might like some of the stuff by Raymond. E. Feist. Although not entirely similar, in my mind they do share common traits (small band of heroes saving the kingdom etc). Hands down, I think my favourite of his novels was the Empire trilogy, but it helps to read everything in order as there is a large amount of continuity of events and characters across all novels. Some of his more recent stuff is ok, but it's starting to get a little samey.

[creamyhorror]

Interesting. I really should expand my English reading. What authors write like this? Any recommendation?

I wrote that in the spirit of Arthur Waley's fine translation/adaptation of 西遊記 (Monkey: Folk Novel of China), which I loved as a kid.

I'll also admit to enjoying the elegant prose styling in Robert Jordan's early Wheel of Time fantasy novels (which have a permanent place on my bookshelf). Book 1 and 2 in particular, if memory serves.

[roddy]

I'm not convinced you can stare askance, and if you can I'm not sure you should. You'll strain an eye muscle.

[Kenny同志]

however perhaps something like Kungfu would work, e.g.:

I'd always heard that the Kungfu skills of your master, Zhang Sanfeng, were unparalleled, and was disappointed that ...

or

I'd always heard that your master, Zhang Sanfeng, had no equal at Kungfu, and was disappointed that ...

originally written by Imron

This is better, I think.

[roddy]

Here's mine. I'd glanced over the topic, but didn't read it closely as I wanted to see what I came up with. I tried to imagine what I'd say if I was an English-speaking Kung Fu Master.

Xie looked askance [i'd like to use sneer or look down his nose] at ?. "I had heard your master was unbeatable [an unbeatable martial artist?] and always regretted not having had the good fortune to know him. Though if you are his best pupil, and this is all you are . . .[i don't think we need to make 想来张三丰也不过如此 explict] perhaps there's nothing to regret."

[imron]

Your translation makes it seem like he doesn't regret having met Zhang Sanfeng, because the student has poor Kungfu. However in the context of the rest of the story, he hasn't seen the student fight. He's just been listening to him speak (after the student saw him kill a bunch of guys), and doesn't think much of what he has to say.

[creamyhorror]

To be honest, "kungfu" sounds slightly cheesy to me, although it's accurate. I lean towards more native translations like "prowess", "skill", etc. since the context should make it clear that it's combat they're talking about (if not, just throw in "martial" in front).

[anonymoose]

I'm not convinced you can stare askance

You can if you're a kungfu expert.

[roddy]

@imron - contextual issues will be resolved once we've translated the whole thing, no doubt

@anonymoose - could be another Chuck Norris factoid in there . . .

[Glenn]

What's wrong with "with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval: He looked askance at my offer."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/askance