Peter(with pleased emphasis): Why, certainly.

Imagery in Translation

• Read the source text aloud by parts to feel the rhythmic
pattern and intonation. Compare them with how the text sounds
in translation.

• Note the points most difficult for translation. Comment
upon them.

• What do you think about the choice of the Russian pro­
noun for "you" in Jerry's speech: should it be «ты» or «вы»?
Give your reasons.

• Do the Russian words «мистер» and «сэр» sound prop­
er in the Russian text? Do they match the situation and charac­
ters?

Task for translation:

THE ZOO STORY Jerry: It's — it's a nice day. (Peter stares unnecessarily at the sky.) Peter: Yes. Yes, it is; lovely. Jerry:I've been to the Zoo. Peter:Yes, I think you said so — didn't you?

Jerry: You'll read about it in the papers tomorrow, if you don't see it on your TV tonight. You have TV, haven't you?

Peter:Why, yes, we have two; one for the children.

Jerry:You are married!

Jerry:It isn't a law, for God's sake.

Peter:No — no, of course not.

Jerry:And you have a wife.


Практикум по художественному переводу_____

Yes.

Peter{bewildered by the seeming lack of communication):

Jerry:And you have children.

Peter:Yes; two.

Jerry:Boys?

Peter:No, girls — both girls.

Jerry:But you wanted boys.

Peter:Well — naturally, every man wants a son, but...

bles?

Jerry{lightly mocking): But that's the way the cookie crum-

Peter{annoyed): I wasn't going to say that.

Jerry:And you're not going to have any more kids, are

you?

Peter{a bit distantly): No. No more. {Then back, and irk­some) Why did you say that? How would you know about that?

Jerry:The way you cross your legs, perhaps; something in the voice. Or maybe I'm just guessing. Is it your wife?

Peter{furiously): That's none of your business! {He paus­es) Do you understand? {Jerry nods. Quietly.) Well, you're right. We'll have no more children.

Jerry{softly): This is the way the cookie crumbles. Peter(forgiving): Yes — I guess so.