I’ve been reading German philosophical texts’ translations extensively lately (e.g., Marx, Nietzsche, et al.), and I wonder whether their variegated, compounded sentences are attributable more to their common original language, or their artistic writing abilities.
One the one hand, Locke and Mill’s sentences were never on the short side; on the other, German philosophers’ are, if long, not nearly as convoluted.
The specific writers referenced above might suggest a limited sample size but I speak broadly between the two camps as separated by their respective native languages.
I think it’s mostly style; Germans esp in the 19th century prefer the convolution, and Marx and Nietzsche are particularly given to the more eccentric anyway, even when compared to Hegel or Kant. Not that those two are any easier (they’re not) but they do seem to be less extravagant in their writing.
on edit: Wait, I’m confused now - are you saying that Nietzsche and Marx are less convoluted than Mill and Locke? What are you reading exactly?
There is a theory that say the better educated you are (including the ‘proper’ forms of your native language, since that’s the default way of judging one’s education) the more likely you are to be unintelligible to the masses. It’s not that no one can understand your words; you just write/speak in a rather…convoluted matter at times.
Since no one better educated has jumped in here . . .
Yes, I think there are several contributing factors. First, late 19th century formal writing was often very convoluted in structure, even in English. Read an article in The Atlantic or a court opinion from the era and try to unwind the clauses. Perhaps that’s why Hemingway’s short direct sentences were so striking to readers.
Second, formal writing in German is still like this, partly because of the way that dependent clauses are signaled and partly because of the tendency to move the verb to the end. So even though I’ve had three years of German study and can make my way through a train station or market without too much problem, I can’t read a German newspaper or magazine. With about the same amount of formal study, I have no problem reading Spanish periodicals.
Not to derail this OP, but here are some things to keep in mind in discussing the OP.
Actually, I think that this is an interesting topic. Languages are fascinating, and it is true that the different range of people on this board do present a variety of writing styles; it is true that people have differing abilities/tolerances for questions raised on this board.
Most of us are able to adjust up and down in both the speaker and listener roles.
I’d add that languages do not, as some people think/fear, get ‘dumber’ over time. It is important to remember that the further in time you are removed from a piece of writing, the harder it will be for you to understand it. That’s why translations are constantly being improved.
Add that to the nature of academic writing (especially philosophy) and you may have a headache. (:
