Today, we’re delighted to showcase an unusual translation project proposed to us by the poet, translator, and educator, Basil Lvoff, who challenged his graduate students at Hunter College to translate back into English the famous Sonnet 87 by William Shakespeare. The result is an extremely interesting translation and linguistic experiment that we’re proud to present as a premiere for NTM. The translated versions are included alongside an insightful essay that outlines the parameters of the project, as well as commentary on each student’s translation. Many thanks to Basil Lvoff and his students for allowing us to publish their excellent work.

And join us on September 22 at 6:30-8 PM for an in-person event at Hunter College, West building, room 1337, featuring the alumni of Fall 2021 Russian-English Literary Translation course, hosted by Basil Lvoff!. You’ll hear the experimental translations of William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 87 back into the English language. There will be a discussion open to the public. More details here.

We’d love to hear what you think! Find us on twitter @TranslateMonth, share using #TranslationMonth, join our mailing list, submit a translation month event, or like our Facebook page. We hope you’ll join us and celebrate your favorite translations in September and beyond.

—Claudia Serea and Loren Kleinman

Click here to read SHAKESPEARE: HOMECOMING
Hunter College Students Translating Shakespeare back into English