I am not a native English speaker (my level is C1). I’m currently reading *Light in August* and while I am able to follow the narrative, understanding some words is challenging, sometimes I translate them, sometimes I just ignore them. I’m considering which language should I read the following novels, *As I lay Dying* and *The Sound and Fury*.
Since Faulkner is well-known for his distinctive style in his novels. I’m worried that reading them in a language other than the original might diminish the experience. However, given my current level, understanding every word in my native language might be easier.
I know that this is very individual, however, I would still like to hear other’s experiences, maybe you had read both Faulkner in English and your native language? How did it compare?
by Redqpple
1 Comment
Don’t worry, Faulkner is hard for native speakers too. Understanding the individual words is only half the battle with him. Putting them together to understand what he’s saying is just as hard.
Translation is an art as much as a science and requires some interpretation on the part of the translator. The more obtuse the source the more interpretation required. I’m sure a translation will get the plot across, but I don’t envy anyone whose job it is to translate Faulkner into another language.
If you can understand the plot while reading Faulkner on your first reading I’d say you are already doing great and should continue reading it in English if you want to.