If This Be Magic by Daniel Hahn review – how on earth do you translate Shakespeare?

The eternal question of translation has plagued scholars and linguists for centuries. No language can adequately convey the nuances and complexities of another. Yet, when it comes to William Shakespeare’s works, the stakes are particularly high. His plays have become an integral part of the global cultural heritage, yet his words remain stubbornly tied to their English origins.

Daniel Hahn’s new book, If This Be Magic, explores this conundrum by examining various translations of Shakespeare’s plays into languages such as Portuguese, French, Māori, and others. Hahn sets out to prove that Shakespeare’s essence can be preserved even when every word has been changed.

Jorge Luis Borges famously refused to translate Shakespeare into Spanish, stating, “Perhaps the words can be translated, but certainly Shakespeare cannot be translated.” This stance is echoed by many scholars and translators who argue that Shakespeare’s genius lies in his use of language – a unique blend of iambic pentameter and Elizabethan slang.

However, Hahn demonstrates with examples from various languages that this assumption may not be entirely true. By examining how different cultures have adapted Shakespeare’s works, we can gain insight into the underlying qualities that make his work so enduring. For instance, the hip-hop production of Romeo and Juliet mentioned by Hahn is a striking example of how language can be adapted to convey emotional intensity.

This raises questions about our understanding of language itself: are there universal principles at play here, or are we simply witnessing translators’ creative liberties? The latter seems more likely, as translation is always interpretation – and interpretations vary greatly from one culture to another.

The many translations of Homer’s The Iliad over the centuries serve as a reminder that each new version brings its own set of biases and assumptions. Similarly, Shakespeare’s works are subject to multiple interpretations, a process that has been ongoing for centuries.

As we navigate this complex landscape of translation and interpretation, it becomes clear that the true magic of Shakespeare lies not in his words themselves but in their ability to evoke emotions and ideas across cultures. His plays are cultural touchstones that continue to inspire and provoke audiences worldwide.

The debate over the translatable nature of Shakespeare’s work has only just begun. As Daniel Hahn demonstrates, this is not simply a question of words on a page – but rather an exploration of what makes language so enduring and vital.

In the end, it seems that Borges was right: Shakespeare cannot be translated in the classical sense. But perhaps that’s exactly the point – for translation is about capturing the essence of a work that has become part of our shared cultural heritage. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of language and culture, Shakespeare remains an enigmatic figure – a bridge between worlds, yet forever tied to his own linguistic universe. His legacy is a testament to the power of language itself: a reminder that even when words change, the magic remains.