Morphius Posted January 27 This is a great version of the DDJ if you are looking for a "direct" translation. Any thoughts on a direct translation versus an author-interpreted translation? Is it even possible?  https://independent.academia.edu/ShaunRamsden  Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nungali Posted January 27 He is that 'Chinese were Indo Europeans ' guy . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
29Gathering Posted Wednesday at 07:20 AM (edited) A direct translation, in context of academicians that focus their capability in thinking philosophy only, means that a text is taken out of context and interpreted as if a text exists in a void by itself. That makes it easier to make into whatever the translator wants, right? So you're going to have to agree with a new context, provided by the modern writer instead.  Is it even possible to have a direct translation of the Wang Bi version of the Laozi? No. You can see author interpretation starting from the first line of the first chapter or even before. Technically you could have a translation that explains in detail each character and how the sentences work in classical Chinese. Maybe even explain semantic changes for those who know modern Chinese instead. Edited Wednesday at 07:23 AM by 29Gathering Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted Wednesday at 07:35 PM  On 27/01/2026 at 2:29 AM, Morphius said: … Any thoughts on a direct translation …  I use direct translation.  Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted Wednesday at 07:36 PM  On 27/01/2026 at 2:29 AM, Morphius said: https://independent.academia.edu/ShaunRamsden  I don’t want to create an account. Could you post his DDJ chapter 1 here please?    Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
29Gathering Posted Thursday at 03:42 AM Quote 2. English Translation Chapter 1 Â The Dao that can be the Dao is not the constant Dao. The name that can be the name is not the constant name. Nameless, the start of the sky and the earth. To have a name, the mother of ten thousand things. Therefore, constantly with no desire, so as to observe its mysteries. Constantly to have desire, so as to observe its border. These two come out the same, yet are named differently, both are called the profound. Profound and even more profound, the gate to all mysteries. His interpretation of chapter 1. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted Thursday at 11:17 AM  7 hours ago, 29Gathering said: His interpretation of chapter 1.  Well that’s highly disappointing, that’s just the same old same old version. And doesn’t even use the Mawangdui characters.   Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted 9 hours ago (edited)  On 27/01/2026 at 2:29 AM, Morphius said: … direct" translation. …  His first line, “The Dao that can be the Dao ….”, is not a direct translation. 可 (ke3) when used as an auxiliary VB, needs to be followed by a VB in the passive (The Dao that can be Dao’d).  [Oops, looking into that, realised my line one is faulty too.  Back to the drawing board.]   Edited 7 hours ago by Cobie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted 9 hours ago (edited) His text is on here https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364643573_The_Daodejing_A_2022_Translation.  Edited 8 hours ago by Cobie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
