L'argot suldois
Sir: M. Pleurniche and M. Jhonston (Let- ters, 21 July) have alike ignored what is surely the essential distinction in these matters: that between sexual or digestive swearing, and blasphemy. Scandinavian oaths are exclusively blasphemous. I once had to translate a mild expression of dissent heard frequently in Dublin around closing time, 'You f—ing c—,' for an interested Swedish audience. Done literal- ly, the effect was purely anatomical, ludic- rous in as far as it could be visualised, and wholly devoid of force. The same problem confronts the conscientious translator in the other direction. Many of the rich comic effects of Scandinavian literature derive from the way in which characters will say 'The Devil!' when in fact they mean something rather more shocking. These preferences prove little about national character. Should anyone maintain that the Scandinavians have an interest in spiritual affairs because they blaspheme, the only appropriate reply is 'Fanden renne mig i &Oven'.
Andrew Brown
39 Rocks Lane, London SW13
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