Tandaradei and the lovers’ bette: a translation experiment of Under der linde

Abstract

This essay discusses an experimental translation class conducted as part of the 'Introduction to German Culture in the European Context' course at the University of Porto. The course focuses on medieval German lyric poetry, specifically the Minnesang genre, exploring themes of love, honor, and power. In the 2023/2024 edition of the course, 17 students from diverse cultural backgrounds translated the initial stanza of Walther von der Vogelweide's poem Under der linden. The essay reflects on the challenges and decisions involved in translating the poem across different languages.

KEYWORDS: Transculturality, Minnesang, Walther von der Vogelweide