Fw: [sovernspeakout] Inspiration Translation

[Mike Cleven]

David Lewis wrote:
>
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Sean Topkok [mailto:Sean.Topkok at uaf.edu]
> > Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2002 11:25 AM
> > To: ANKN Listserv
> > Subject: Inspiration Translation
> >
> >
> > [note from Sean: I haven't looked at the URLs below, hence I have not
> > verified the intentions of this individual.]
> >
> >
> > Greetings
> >
> > I am looking for native speaking language enthusiasts to contribute a
> short
> > 300 word article, on the meaning of the word for "Inspiration" in their
> > language of expertise. This is for inclusion in an art book I am writing
> > entitled "The Spirit of Inspiration". I would like to have at least 50
> > different languages represented in the book.  (I have 36 so far.)
> >
> > I was wondering if you have any suggestions, tips or leads on  where I
> could
> > find contributors in an Alaskan indigenous language?
> >
> > The article would include aspects of the following about the the nature of
> > inspiration; the definition, etymology, how it is expressed in the arts of
> > the culture and the authors personal insights.
> >
> > I have created a detailed article submission guideline with a sample
> article
> > which you can view at this URL;
> > http://Humanityquest.com/Themes/Inspiration/ArticleGuidelines/index.asp
> >
> > The existing list of languages and contributors is at this url.
> >
> humanityquest.com/Themes/Inspiration/ArticleGuidelines/ContributorsList.htm
> >
> > Any comments would be most appreciated.
> >
> > Thank You
> >
> > Sincerely.
> > Edwin
> >
> > Edwin Rutsch
> > El Cerrito, Ca 94530
> > USA
> > (510) 528-9895
> > edwin at humanityquest.com

This inquiry, like others we've seen, raises the question of how to
construct conceptual/intellectual nouns and meanings out of the Jargon's
available lexicon, as well as of literal vs. functional translation esp.
when faced with phrases that, let's face it, weren't part of the
world-view of anyone in the 19th Century other than a few romantic poets
in Europe and a rabid philosopher or two.

For "inspiration", <towagh tumtum> occurred to me ("shining
thought/feeling"); <ssaghalie tumtum> perhaps but this is one of those
crossover connotations, since "saghalie" only came to mean "holy" after
its original meaning of "high" was tradduced (sp?) by proselytizers
using the Jargon in their conversion efforts.  "Towagh tumtum" seems
viable; but "spirit of <towagh tumtum>" would seem to get awkward; the
word for "spirit" here most appropriately "tumtum"; what's that word
that shows up in LeJeune and elsewhere for "soul"? - but that doesn't
seem to fit the context here.

Any suggestions?

MC