GR translation: Maybe not now.

[Mike Jing]

As I just said, in this context, a strict word-for-word translation
simply doesn't make sense in Chinese (they rarely do). And this
happens quite often, due to the significant differences between the
two languages. In order to conform to Chinese grammar and conventions,
additional characters maybe needed, and the different choices may
result in several different "literal" translations. In these cases,
some interpretation is unavoidable.

To reiterate, what you consider natural and clear in English may not
be so when translated directly into Chinese. With an elliptical
sentence like this, it's not at all clear what the "literal"
translation should be without considering the context.

On Thu, Dec 1, 2016 at 9:20 PM, David Morris <fqmorris at gmail.com> wrote:
> "Maybe not now," means exactly what it says.  No interpretation needed. A
> character speaks his opinion, and it's that simple.  WHY he expresses that
> opinion must be deduced by other information in the pre or post storyline.
> This probably means "not in these present circumstances. But you shouldn't
> make that an explicit.translation.
>
> David Morris
>
> On Thursday, December 1, 2016, Mike Jing <gravitys.rainbow.cn at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>
>> V519.9-18, P528.2-11   Pavel and Maria meant to have the child. Then
>> Josef Ombindi and his people started their visiting. They have learned
>> their vulturehood from the Christian missionaries. They keep lists of
>> all the women of childbearing age. Any pregnancy is an invitation to
>> hover, to tune in, to swoop. They will use threats, casuistry,
>> physical seduction—there’s an arsenal of techniques. Washing-blue is
>> the abortifacient of choice.
>>        “The refinery,” suggests Andreas Orukambe.
>>        “Really? I thought he’d sworn off that.”
>>        “Maybe not now.” The girl’s brother stares him hard as fists.
>> Enzian, old bastard, you really are out of touch . . . .
>>
>> What does Christian mean by “Maybe not now” here? Is he asking Enzian
>> to drop the subject?
>> -
>> Pynchon-l / http://www.waste.org/mail/?listpynchon-l
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Pynchon-l / http://www.waste.org/mail/?list=pynchon-l