Latin Literature - Latin in Translation

Latin in Translation

The best Latin literature has been translated into most major languages. Until the 1900s, the majority of educated people in the West knew at least some Latin. Today, a smaller proportion of educated people are familiar with the language, but an increasing number enjoy Latin literature through translations.

Some translators paraphrase — that is, they try to keep the beauty and spirit of the original work without providing the exact meaning of each phrase. During the 1600s and 1700s, a number of English poets translated much Latin poetry by paraphrasing. Perhaps the outstanding example was John Dryden's English version of the poems of Virgil, published in 1697.

Other translators provide literal translations, trying to imitate exactly the writings of Latin authors. But these translations lose much of the beauty and style that made the originals works of art. The chief value of literal translations lies in helping students read Latin more easily.