In the year 2017, a new version of "Farewell to Cambridge Again" was translated into English. This translation aimed to capture not only the poetic beauty of the original but also the emotional depth that the author, Xu Zhimo, poured into his work.
The poem, originally written in Chinese, is a reflection on the memories of the speaker's time at the University of Cambridge. It expresses a sense of longing and nostalgia for the past, as well as a deep connection with the place that once shaped his soul. The 2017 English version sought to preserve these sentiments while making the language more accessible to modern readers.
Unlike previous translations, this one focused on maintaining the rhythm and structure of the original while using more contemporary expressions. The translator made careful choices to ensure that the imagery—such as the golden willows, the soft ripples of the river, and the quiet beauty of the Cambridge landscape—remained vivid and evocative.
One of the key challenges in translating "Farewell to Cambridge Again" is balancing fidelity to the original with readability in English. The 2017 version succeeded in doing so by employing a natural flow of language that still resonates with the poetic essence of the original.
This translation has been widely appreciated for its sensitivity and accuracy, offering both scholars and general readers a fresh perspective on a classic piece of Chinese literature. It serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of poetry and how it can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Through this effort, the spirit of Xu Zhimo lives on, allowing a new generation of English-speaking readers to experience the beauty of "Farewell to Cambridge Again" in a way that feels both familiar and profound.