For Christmas I got J.K. Rowlings new book, The Casual Vacany, from Markus’ parents. In English! This makes it the first and only book I own in English, and it got me thinking…
I already watch movies in English without subtitles or with English subtitles, and I read English online every day. Translations are never the original, no matter how good the translator is, it’s not just the same. I frequently cringe at the subtitles on TV when they’ve translated to Swedish from English. 😑
Books are the only thing I still read translations of and why? I see no reason to read a translation when I understand the original language? And if there’s a word or something I don’t know I can always look it up and learn – as I do when I blog.
So. I don’t normally make resolutions, but from now on if the original language of a book is English, then I’ll make sure to read it in English.
The book is brilliant by the way. It’s kinda fascinating to read it, knowing it’s J. K. Rowling and recognizing the language and the style, but the theme is much more adult and there’s absolutely no magic.
If you haven’t read it already: do it!
I’m in the middle of that book right now! :D I prefer English books except when they’re originally written in Norwegian. It’s been a way for me to learn the language, and J.K. Rowling is a favourite because of her detailed and vivid language. Right next to my English books is my Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary xD
Ooh, I should get an English dictionary too! I usually use an online dictionary but that’s pretty impractical when reading a book.
My new year promise could be trying to read books in swedish (and maybe even in german) instead of finnish and english. :P
I actually just finished The Casual Vacancy a few days ago! I quite liked it. It took me a while to get into because I got everyone confused, but once I figured out who was who I really got sucked into the story and enjoyed it. I hope you like it, too!
All the names had me confused too. The first couple of chapters I was repeating “Howard and Shirley, Miles and Samantha, Colin and Tessa…” to myself over and over again. :P But once you’re past that the book is rather captivating imo.
I bought The Casual Vacancy when it first came out but haven’t got around to reading it yet. I’m glad to hear you like it! Also, your snow pictures in your previous post are gorgeous. They make me wish we got snow here, but it’s rare where I am.
It is a good idea to read books in english, especially if the translation could loose some of the original idea or text. I am currently reading this book, but am having trouble getting into it. I am still sticking with it though. :D
That’s really interesting that this is the first book you own in English. You have read other English books though right? I think it would be neat to be able to read a book in a different language. But unfortunately, I’m not fluent in any other languages.
Yes, I’ve read a few English books – and of course I read English online all the time. :)