Re: Translation challenge: Fiat lingua

Henrik Theiling wrote:
> Hi!
>
> R A Brown writes:
>
>>...
>>As the Septuagint did still did use the optative to show desideration,
>>I do think it is important to note that we have _imperative_ in
>>Genesis 1:3. Of course, this has no _direct_ relevance on translating
>>"fiat lingua"; it is relevant only if one thinks it echo's the
>>Judaeo-Christian "Fiat lux."
>
>
> I thought this was the intention!?  Why would I translate 'fiat
> lingua' instead of 'let a language be made' if not to echo that Bible
> citation?
Because in a given conworld the Judaeo-Christian scriptures may have no
relevance at all. Indeed, the conworld may well know nothing of planet
earth.

That surely is why Sai wrote: "Feel free to use a culturally appropriate
analogue as you see fit."

The creator of a conworld may wish to use some other cultural analog. In
which case, s/he would not be concerned with what the Septuagint or
Hebrew has in Genesis, but maybe with what is written in some other
'con-scripture'.

--
Ray
==================================
ray@carolandray.plus.com
http://www.carolandray.plus.com
==================================
"Ein Kopf, der auf seine eigene Kosten denkt,
wird immer Eingriffe in die Sprache thun."
"A mind that thinks at its own expense
will always interfere with language".
J.G. Hamann, 1760

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