This article explores the complex challenges inherent in poetic translation through a case study of Louis Barral’s French version of Mihai Eminescu’s iconic Romanian poem “Somnoroase păsărele”. Drawing on comparative textual analysis and translation theory, the study examines how Barral navigates linguistic, rhythmic and cultural hurdles in his effort to preserve the lyrical essence of the original text. The analysis focuses on Barral's lexical choices, syntactic modifications and the compromises made between semantic fidelity and poetic form, decisions that stem from a constant negotiation between adherence to the original text and the translator's subjective interpretation. The article highlights the translator’s own admission of imperfection, as expressed in his preface, and argues that Barral’s version, while imperfect, represents a significant cultural bridge, underscoring the inevitable tensions between accuracy and artistry in poetic translation.

Keywords:

poetic translation, subjectivity, semantic fidelity, lexical choice, cultural adaptation

Pages:

75-86

Full text

in PDF

Type:

Research Paper

Field:

Translation Studies

Topic:

Language, Context, Translation

UDC:

81'255.2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62413/lc.2025(1).06

Research Paper

Citations

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