why skip the literary translation?

Garry M.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

why skip the literary translation?

"dentro del seno de una familia catolica, (etc)" = within the bosom of a catholic family. Why pare down the literary parts to just the basic meaning of "to a catholic family (etc)"? The "dentro del seno" seems to indicate that he was born into a loving, caring family (O.K. plus wealthy and traditional!). But when we read Cervantes and Shakespeare aren't those literary embellishments what made them classics?

Asked 1 year ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Garry

Adding the phrase "dentro del seno de.." doesn't make it "Cervantes Spanish" really - it is something used in texts that don't have to go back to centuries ago. Is this what you're referring to? So, I think the translation in English doesn't need to be that literal or doesn't have to match by using an English old fashion equivalent (if there is one),  as it is a common enough phrase and the English used there reflects what it conveys. 

Inma

Garry M. asked:

why skip the literary translation?

"dentro del seno de una familia catolica, (etc)" = within the bosom of a catholic family. Why pare down the literary parts to just the basic meaning of "to a catholic family (etc)"? The "dentro del seno" seems to indicate that he was born into a loving, caring family (O.K. plus wealthy and traditional!). But when we read Cervantes and Shakespeare aren't those literary embellishments what made them classics?

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