Hirünk a Világban, 1954 (4. évfolyam, 7-8. szám)
1954-11-01 / 7-8. szám
16 Hírünk a világban OUR REPUTATION IN THE WORLD — ■ ENGLISH SUMMARY == By Géza B. Grosschmid, Duquesne Unlver sity. Joseph Reményi and Andoi1 S z i k 1 a y con tribute in this number to our discussion on the position of Hungarian literature abroad. Prof. Reményi contends that the position of the literature of other small nations is not any better either, with the exception of the Scandinavian. The latter’s success can probably be attributed to Ibsen, the works of G.B. Shaw on Itsafl^andtothe fact that the Nobel-prize is annual®Stockholm. John Gassner in his “Tlwf sterscffhe Drama" says a few appreciative Aords about . r e Madách and underlines ®e “mondaine cynicism” of Ferenc M o 1 n á rfln his opinion, the Poles are incorrigible romantics, and he labels the Polish society drama as weak. The world fame of Sienkiewicz does not alter the fact that American public opinion is hesitant or neutral about Polish literature, and we can hardly ever find positive criticism of Czech, Rumanian, Yugoslavian, Bulgarian, Finnish, Estonian, Lithuanian, or Greek literatures. One usually encounters the following difficulties in an attempt to place Hungarian literature in English: 1. The inadequate English of the translator. 2. Internationally speaking, the Hungarian spirit appears to be of regional nature. It follows from the essence of the Hungarian fatum that the ego of the writer and the nation’s spirit are closely connected. And anything that is interesting to a Hungarian, appears to be only odd to an American. 3. American literature and criticism progressed a great deal during the past three decades. Consequently, the European veneer is not enough, but it is imperative that they meet the present high standard. 4. Translations of the Hungarian classics lack the feeling of the language and the charm of the original. 5. For the time being Hungarian soul is hardly understood at all. But we musn’t talk about indifference or antagonism. The trials of life are great everywhere today, and Americans are pre-occupied by their own problems. We must not forget, that Keller’s “Der gruene Heinrich” could still not find an English interpreter, although it appeared in a world language, and the British were first bored by Tolstoi’s “War and Peace.” — Hungarian, this Finno-Ugric language is a forbidding factor, no matter how plastic and melodic it may be. Those whose mother tongue is English, very seldom know Hungarian, and there are very few among the Hungarians who can handle the English language v*ith an artistic assurance. It is to be hoped that in the world of English-descendents of Hungarian ancestors such literati will develop who will look upon the English interpretation of Hungarian literary works as their life’s goad. Andor S z i k 1 a y contributes to the discussion by presenting some ideasin connection with literary translation. He believes that translating is missionary work. The translator has to find the method, place, and contacts in order to introduce adequate material in adequate languages to foreign readers. One should take an inventory of the subject matter by a priority system. This and the work of transla tion could best be dann by organizing a working pool. Rev. Michael H Ő gy e reports on his encounters with Hungarians on his trip in Japan, Dr. Gyula Boné points out the mistakesofa Holland encyclopedia, ana Dénes Dorogsághy writes about Hungarian successes in s p o r t. Prof. Stephen Kertész’ book (Diploma cy in a Whirlpool, Hungary betweenNazi Germany and Soviet Russia) got an interesting international echo. This periodical brings a digest of the reviews on the book. Ernstvon Dohnányi, whose music is popular in America, celebrated his 77th birthday in Tallahassee, Fla., where he teaches music at the Florida State University. Dohányi received an honorary doctorate in June at Ohio University’s Sesquicentennial Commencement. This fall, he had a very successful concert and lecture tour in the Midwest. Hungarian sportsmen succeeded in this year to win many championships: the Hungarian team won the European championship of swimming (in Italy), Hungarians became world champions in canoe and kayak (in France), Hungary’s soccer team got the second place in the world championship (in Switzerland), and first place in Modern Pentathlon World Championship fin Hungary.) Recognizing the outstanding role of Hungarian sport, the official British sport monthly, World Sport, wrote before the European championship of swimming: “Would Hungary enhance her claim to be the greatest sporting nation (considering her population) in the world today?” shortly after, Hungary won nine first prizes out of eighteen in the same championship. HÍRÜNK A VILÁGBAN Hungarian Bimonthly Szerkeszti: CSICSERY-RÓNAY- ISTVÁN Megj «tenik kéthavonta Szerkesztőség és kiadóhivatal: P. 0. BOX 1005, WASHINGTON 13. D. C. USA
