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In-Class Exercise
Reasons to Read Chaucer in Middle English (Rather than in
Translation)
This
exercise contrasts modern rap lyrics with an academic "translation"
in order to make a point about the advantages of reading a
text in its original form.
Assignment
Overview
This is an exercise designed to show students why we read
Chaucer in Middle English, rather than in translation. The
first time I taught The Canterbury Tales, my students
asked me why we had to read the text in the original language,
which was difficult for them to follow. I went on about the
beauties of the original language while my students' eyes
glazed over. I knew I hadn't convinced them, so for our next
meeting I put a verse from my favorite rap song and a formal
prose "translation" of it on a single transparency.
Using the overhead projector
to display the lyrics side by side, I asked my students to
read both passages aloud, and then asked them what got lost
in the translation. This exercise really got my point across,
and the students had fun too. You can choose your own musical
inspiration for this one, but for what its worth, here is
the verse I chose (from House of Pain's "Jump Around")
followed by my own geeky version of it. (P.S. It's extra cool
if you bring in a tape recorder and a tape of the song, 'cause
then the students can hear the rap inflection).
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Original
Verse
"Jump Around" by House of Pain
I'll
serve yo' ass like John MacEnroe
If your girl steps up I'm smackin' the ho
Word to your moms, I came to drop bombs
I got more rhymes than a bible's got psalms
And
just like the prodigal son I've returned
Anyone steppin' on me you'll get burned
'Cause I got lyrics, but you ain't got none
If you come to battle bring a shotgun
But
if you do you're a fool 'cause I do to the death
Try an' step to me you'll take your last breath
I got the skill, come get your fill
'Cause when I shoot the gif, I shoot to kill
I came to get down
So jump around
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Translation
by Alex Cook
I
will ace you like a professional tennis player
If your girlfriend objects, I may become violent
You and all your family should know
I'm here to impress you with my verbal power
I'm quite a clever poet
I bear a biblical resemblance to the prodigal son
If you threaten me, you'll regret it
Because I'm a far more skillful wordsmith than you
If you are so bold, bring the heavy artillery
But you're being foolish, because I'm awfully vicious
If you challenge me, you'll be vanquished
I'm quite ready to dispose of you, when you're ready
Because when I threaten you, I really mean it
I came to get down
So jump around
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Resource
Description
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| Author/Artist:
Alex Cook |
Media:
Overhead Projector |
| Date
of Composition: Summer 1999 |
Dimensions: |
| Original
Course: English 152A |
Bibliographic
Information: |
| Description:
In-Class "Translation" Exercise |
Location
of Artifact: |
| Category:
Course Materials, Instructors, Unlocked |
Date
of Publication/Exhibition: |
Period/MA
Field: Medieval
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Keywords:
Chaucer,English 152, Middle English, translation |
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