What happens when a poem in one language is recast in another? In this course, we’ll be looking not only at the choices made by translators, but also larger issues to do with adaptation – are there cultural and social distinctions which defy translation? Are there norms in the poetry of one culture which are taboo in others?

Given our setting at Château Ventenac, we will be looking specifically at the transformations between French and English poetry. The course is suitable for French-speakers and translators of French into English, but is also suitable for poets without a second language who are interested in broadening their vision beyond the Anglo-American canon.