152: Chaucer Exercise

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Instructor: Alexandra Cook
Summer 1999

Reasons to Read Chaucer in Middle English (Rather than in Translation)

This exercise contrasts modern rap lyrics with an academic "translation" in order to make a point about the advantages of reading a text in its original form.

Assignment Overview

This is an exercise designed to show students why we read Chaucer in Middle English, rather than in translation. The first time I taught The Canterbury Tales, my students asked me why we had to read the text in the original language, which was difficult for them to follow. I went on about the beauties of the original language while my students' eyes glazed over. I knew I hadn't convinced them, so for our next meeting I put a verse from my favorite rap song and a formal prose "translation" of it on a single transparency.

Using the overhead projector to display the lyrics side by side, I asked my students to read both passages aloud, and then asked them what got lost in the translation. This exercise really got my point across, and the students had fun too. You can choose your own musical inspiration for this one, but for what its worth, here is the verse I chose (from House of Pain's "Jump Around") followed by my own geeky version of it. (P.S. It's extra cool if you bring in a tape recorder and a tape of the song, 'cause then the students can hear the rap inflection).

Original Verse "Jump Around" by House of Pain I'll serve yo' ass like John MacEnroe If your girl steps up I'm smackin' the ho Word to your moms, I came to drop bombs I got more rhymes than a bible's got psalms And just like the prodigal son I've returned Anyone steppin' on me you'll get burned 'Cause I got lyrics, but you ain't got none If you come to battle bring a shotgun But if you do you're a fool 'cause I do to the death Try an' step to me you'll take your last breath I got the skill, come get your fill 'Cause when I shoot the gif, I shoot to kill I came to get down So jump around

Translation by Alex Cook I will ace you like a professional tennis player If your girlfriend objects, I may become violent You and all your family should know I'm here to impress you with my verbal power I'm quite a clever poet I bear a biblical resemblance to the prodigal son If you threaten me, you'll regret it Because I'm a far more skillful wordsmith than you If you are so bold, bring the heavy artillery But you're being foolish, because I'm awfully vicious If you challenge me, you'll be vanquished I'm quite ready to dispose of you, when you're ready Because when I threaten you, I really mean it I intend to abandon all nonsense and confront you So jump around

--MarthineSatris 20:46, 11 August 2007 (PDT)