Translating Japanese Haiku and Tanka from English

Abstract

Literature in translation on a world stage is becoming of more and more consequence. The approach to literature as a “unifying”, “worlding” power as defined by Pheng Cheah, is gaining the momentum. On a broadest scale, literature is evolving from translation (Rebeca Walkowitz), a phenomenon whose value should not be judged by external political, economical and similar approaches (Pascale Casanova) and an object whose verbal expression and meaning may not be explained by totally focusing on its linguistic character (multilingual approach). Linguistic value of the work of literature is interpreted as a separate function in the construction of a literary work and its posterior translation (Jeremy Munday). A publication of translation of 6 Japanese poets from English into Lithuanian is a case study to see the function of the above ideas. Alfonsas Andriuškevičius, a Lithuanian poet, essayist, literary and art critic undertook this endevour with the feeling of the lack of “poeticity” in the present haiku and tanka translations from Japanese into Lithuanian.

Received: 13 January 2025 / Accepted: 2 March 2025 / Published: 25 March 2025