Translating Russian Poetry: Considerations and Problems

Abstract

The article reviews and contrasts the features of Western and Russian versification as well as considers the aspects that should be followed while translating Russian poetry. Although the Western tradition continues to be known for the distinction between form and content, Russian poetry does not share this binary logic, and both concepts are inseparable. Western poetry became individual, silent and fundamentally written, and Russian verse has not lost its communicative character and remains, therefore, highly phonic. The article presents an overview of both traditions, theoretical considerations on the development of Russian and Western versification, and, finally, the examples in Spanish that highlight points of contact with Russian versification, so that they can be regarded as rhythmic models for a more accurate translation of Russian verse.