1. Understanding the Language:
* Dialects: Scottish-English often uses dialectal words and phrases. For example, "bonny" for "beautiful", "wee" for "small", or "guid" for "good". A good dictionary of Scots will be invaluable.
* Pronunciation: Some words have different pronunciations in Scots than in standard English. This can affect the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the ballad.
* Grammar: Scots grammar can be different from standard English grammar. For example, Scots uses the "thou" pronoun, which is rarely used in modern English.
2. Preserving the Ballad's Character:
* Tone: Scottish-English ballads often have a distinctive tone, often with a melancholic or dramatic feel. Try to maintain this tone in your translation.
* Rhythm and Rhyme: The ballad's rhythm and rhyme scheme are crucial for its musicality. Aim to translate it in a way that preserves these elements as much as possible.
* Imagery: Scottish-English ballads often use vivid imagery. Don't be afraid to translate these phrases literally, as long as they maintain their metaphorical impact in standard English.
3. The Translation Process:
* Word-for-word translation: Start by translating each word and phrase individually, paying close attention to the specific meanings and contexts.
* Rewriting and refining: Once you have a basic translation, rewrite and refine it to create a more fluent and natural-sounding English text.
* Consider the audience: Think about who your audience is and whether they will appreciate a literal translation or a more modern interpretation.
4. Examples of Translation:
Here's an example of a line from a Scottish-English ballad and a possible translation:
Original: "The wind blaws cauld and the rain fa's fast"
Translation: "The wind blows cold and the rain falls heavily."
Important Note: While translating literally can sometimes work, it is often best to consider the overall meaning and context of the line and find a translation that captures the essence of the original language while remaining understandable to a broader audience.
Beyond the Language:
* Cultural Context: Scottish-English ballads often draw on specific cultural and historical references that might not be immediately understandable to an English-speaking audience. Consider adding notes or annotations to explain these references.
* Music: Many Scottish-English ballads were originally sung. If you have access to the original music, it can help you understand the rhythm and meter of the ballad, which can inform your translation.
Remember that translating a Scottish-English ballad is an art form. The goal is not to create a word-for-word equivalent, but rather to capture the essence of the original in a way that resonates with a new audience.