fandomhigh | Foreign Literature in Translation, 1/10, 3rd period

Dream is dressed in his robes again, though he might seem slightly tired from the rigors of class yesterday. He grips a mug of tea as he stands before the blackboard.

"Welcome to "Foreign Literature in Translation." Some of you may know this discipline as comparative literature. In brief, it is critical scholarship dealing with the literatures of several languages. I anticipate covering works originally written in French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Latin and Italian this term, and I am looking for a suitable text with its roots in the many languages of the continent of Africa.

We have a small group, which I hope will lend itself to discussion. Miss Bristow is our TA; please come see her or me with any questions. Today, I would like for you to begin by reading and signing the list of classroom rules. This is our contract for the semester. After that, stand and introduce yourselves, making note of any previous experience with languages.

As homework, I would like for you to read Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Necklace", which I have made available in the original French as well as English. Be prepared on Thursday to discuss what the story says about the French culture of de Maupassant's time, as well as any other critical reactions you may have to it.

I am in my office after class for any questions or concerns."

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Dream nods. "And you speak several languages, correct?"

*Hamlet signs in. After last semester, he's used to all the odd things in this classroom.*

I'm Hamlet. I took Languages of Europe with Professor Dream last semester, in addition to some other lingustic study at my old school.

"Thank you for joining us again. Is there anything you especially hope we will read in this class?"

*He thinks about this a minute.*

I wouldn't mind reading some Scandinavian literature in this class. The Nordic countries have a fine literary heritage dating back to the Eddas of the Viking era, and I wouldn't mind having the class enjoy a taste of my home culture.

Dream nods at this and appears to make a note on a pad of paper.

"I'll see what we can do."

Elizabeth signs in.

"I'm Elizabeth Weir, and this is my first language class at this school, although I took Western Lit last semester."

"Thank you for joining us, Ms. Weir. What languages have you studied in the past?"

"Well, I never really studied it, but I grew up speaking Russian as well as English. I've studied French, Spanish, German, Latin and Farsi or Persian," she said.

Dream raises his eyebrows. "Impressive. I look forward to your contributions to class."

Nadia signs in, and when she stands to introduce herself, her shoulders are held stiff and high. It's pretty obvious she's not entirely comfortable taking classes just yet.

"Nadia Santos. Freshman. My native language is Russian, but I don't really speak it anymore. Then Spanish, and then English."

She looks as though she's going to continue, but then sits down abruptly.

Dream appears to note her discomfort and doesn't ask her further questions. "I hope you enjoy class, Ms. Santos."

Nadia nods sharply, then ducks her head. At least the story looks interesting.

Foreign Literature in Translation, 1/10, 3rd period

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