Choosing the Right Latin Translation: Resurgere vs. Exsurgere
When translating Latin into English, the choice of verb can significantly impact the style and nuance of the text. This article delves into the specifics of resurgere vs. exsurgere in Latin and their English counterparts. We explore the poetic and linguistic nuances that make each verb appropriate in different contexts.
Context and Poetic Nuance
The choice between resurgere and exsurgere in Latin is not merely a matter of accuracy, but also of style. Resurgere, while mainly poetic or post-Augustan, offers a more vivid and powerful imagery. For instance, when translating a phrase like, “auctoritate vestra respublica resurget” (by your authority the state will rise up) by Cicero, we find that re- forms like resurgere are often more evocative of recovery and rise from adversity.
Rising Up and Recovering
Exsurgere, on the other hand, is more commonly found in Classical prose and literally means to rise up or recover from a setback. For example, in Cicero’s “auctoritate vestra res publica exsurget”, the state rising up conveys an imagery of growth and revival. Another example, from Nepos, “ hoc deiecto Pausanias venit Atticis auxilio” (After his Critias fall, Pausanias came to the aid of the Athenians), illustrates the verb deicere (to cast down) as an alternative to exsurgo.
Flexibility and Emphasis in Latin
Latin, with its robust inflectional system, often requires less reliance on personal pronouns compared to modern English. For instance, the phrase “POST CASUM SURGEMUS” (After the fall, we will rise) may be more appropriate in certain contexts than “POST LAPSUM NOS RESURGEMUS” (After the slip into a fall, we will rise again), as the latter is longer and more verbose.
Translation Nuances and Choice of Verb
The choice of verb can be influenced by the context and intended meaning. For instance, if the sense is specifically in the present, the verb form would be “exsurgimus”. The personal pronoun “nos” can be used for emphasis, such as “POST LAPSUM NOS RESURGEMUS”, but this is not always necessary since resurgemus already contains the first-person plural suffix.
Stylistic Choices
Terms like “lapsus” (slip) and “casus” (fall) are derived from verbs “labi” (to slide) and “cadere” (to fall), respectively. These have distinct connotations: “lapsus” implies a mistake or accident, while “casus” implies a more serious or sudden fall. The choice between these terms depends on the context and the desired tone.
Translating Latin to English
When translating Latin into English, the translation needs to be as clear and precise as possible. For example, the phrase “Post casum resurgimus” (After the fall, we will rise again) is a more neutral translation that conveys the future tense. However, “Post casum resurgemus” (After the fall, we will rise again) is in the present tense and can be used to emphasize that the rising is happening right now.
Conclusion
The selection of Latin verbs like resurgere and exsurgere is crucial for conveying the right sense and nuance. Understanding the distinctions between these verbs and their poetic and literal implications can greatly enhance the translation process. By carefully considering the context, the tone, and the intended meaning, translators can ensure that their work resonates effectively with the audience.