this post was submitted on 27 Dec 2023
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I primarily engage with fiction, particularly fantasy literature, and occasionally delve into non-fiction.

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[–] southsamurai@sh.itjust.works 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Afaik, if you're into fantasy, you might as well read it in English since that's what the majority of fantasy is published in originally. Waiting for translations is a pain in the ass, and might not even happen.

And, like any translated book, it's not usually the same experience because not everything translates well. Certainly not as well as being able to read the original language fluently.

That goes both ways, btw. English translations of books from other languages are a crap shoot.

Now, if you're ignoring authors in your language, that seems a poor choice, but it's your choice, and not inherently negative (imo). You may have very good reasons to make that choice.

If I wasn't totally brain dead when it comes to other languages, I'd definitely prefer to read most poetry in the original form. Most fiction too. There's an older book I enjoy, The Master and Margueritta. It's originally in Russian, and the translation has some clunky bits that I suspect would be better in Russian.

Besides, one of the best ways to achieve fluency and maintain it is by using the language.

[–] Bebo@literature.cafe 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Just wanted to say that I recently finished the Master And Margarita (P&V translation) and absolutely loved it. It's a masterpiece!

[–] southsamurai@sh.itjust.works 2 points 8 months ago

It really is :)

One of the most surreal and unique books ever