We confess that this is not the first time we have heard from readers who are dissatisfied with the French translation of “The Left Atrium.”1,2 The choice of “l'oreille” over “l'oreillette,” proposed by our francophone translators, was a deliberate attempt to be playful with connotations. In English, “The Left Atrium” has resonances with anatomy (we examine the heart — the metaphorical one — and its place in medicine), politics (dare we be left of centre?) and architecture (we offer an open, welcoming space).3 All of this, whatever it means, is difficult to convey at one fell swoop in translation, but we would love to receive suggestions for an interesting alternative.
Signature
Anne Marie Todkill
References
- 1.Gervais L. Jeu de maux [letter]. CMAJ 1999; 160(10):1432.10352628
- 2.Saumure M. Jeu de maux [letter] CMAJ 1999; 160(10):1432-3.10352628
- 3.Todkill AM, Hoey J. Entering “The Left Atrium.” CMAJ 1999;160(1):67-8. [PMC free article] [PubMed]