Poetry Transcreation to Mandarin
Budget: $25 – $50 USD
I am preparing a set of English-language poems for a university literature course and now need them re-imagined in polished, natural-sounding Mandarin. Because the pieces will be analysed side-by-side with the originals, the priority is to carry over the original tone and feel—the subtle moods, imagery, and voice that give each poem its character—rather than to reproduce line breaks or strict meter.
Context
• Educational use only: students will study both versions to explore comparative poetics, not to publish a bilingual edition.
• University level: the language can be sophisticated, and explanatory footnotes are welcome when culturally loaded references appear.
Scope of work
1. Transcreate each poem so that a native Mandarin reader experiences the same emotional colouring as an English reader.
2. Supply a brief translator’s note (2-3 sentences) per poem highlighting any major interpretive choices or compromises.
3. Return a clean, proof-read document in Word or Google Docs, mirroring original poem order.
Acceptance criteria
• Mandarin text reads as a finished poem, not as a literal translation.
• Tone, imagery and overall feel match the source; minor structural shifts are acceptable when they serve the reading flow.
• Translator’s notes clearly justify key stylistic decisions.
I am ready to share the poems immediately and can provide additional context on themes and intended classroom discussion points if that helps refine your choices.
Context
• Educational use only: students will study both versions to explore comparative poetics, not to publish a bilingual edition.
• University level: the language can be sophisticated, and explanatory footnotes are welcome when culturally loaded references appear.
Scope of work
1. Transcreate each poem so that a native Mandarin reader experiences the same emotional colouring as an English reader.
2. Supply a brief translator’s note (2-3 sentences) per poem highlighting any major interpretive choices or compromises.
3. Return a clean, proof-read document in Word or Google Docs, mirroring original poem order.
Acceptance criteria
• Mandarin text reads as a finished poem, not as a literal translation.
• Tone, imagery and overall feel match the source; minor structural shifts are acceptable when they serve the reading flow.
• Translator’s notes clearly justify key stylistic decisions.
I am ready to share the poems immediately and can provide additional context on themes and intended classroom discussion points if that helps refine your choices.