The Russians and their Language. By Mme. N. Jarintzov. (Oxford
B. H. Blackwell. 6s. net.)—The intelligent student of Russian will be fascinated by this clever book—the work of a Russian lady who knows English extremely well, and is therefore able to interpret with quite exceptional fidelity the t/ol or character of the Russian language. We lose a great deal, she tells us, in the average translations from Russian, always excepting those of Mrs. Garnett ; but the Russian, like the Greek, has so many expressive and untranslatable particles, as well as so many modified forms and diminutive.% that the poor translator's task is very hard. The author explains clearly many familiar Russian expressions, such as " n'ichevd " (literally, " Of nothing "), which, she says, does not imply a national carelessness ; or " b/d:unlike," the Old Slavonic word for " father," which, she insists, must not be translated " Little father " because it is used in a deferential tone or in argument but not in a sentimental way. Mme. Jarintzov's comments on the great authors are most illuminating, though all too brief, and her hints on pronunciation are invaluable.
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