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As long as we're having fun with it, I don't understand why the fake version of the opening isn't "Dao can dao, very dao. Name can name, very name". That is sur
by thaumasiotes 2y ago
As long as we're having fun with it, I don't understand why the fake version of the opening isn't "Dao can dao, very dao. Name can name, very name". That is surely what a modern speaker will think when they see the text.
- vonunov 2y agoCouldn't say -- I'm just making a reference based on second-hand understanding of what the "literal" translation reads like. I hadn't heard about that bit being used as an intensifier, interesting.
- thaumasiotes 2y agoIt's worth noting that 道 is a noun referring to a path, and a verb referring to speaking, and while both of those words are used in the first two clauses, they aren't the same word. The author is engaging in a pun or play on words. Apparently the Christians adopted 道 to translate their concept of the Holy Word, which is a fun use of both senses.
- vonunov 2y agoSo, some tie-ins with "in the beginning was the Word" and "I am the Way", etc.?