Thread: translated from the Russian by...

What is the meaning of this "the Russian"?

Originally Posted by basurero

What is the meaning of this "the Russian"?

It would help if you gave us the context, how it was used in a sentence or situation.

But "the Russian" points to a particular person, who is Russian.

"Putin is Russian."
"Putin is a Russian. (there are many Russians... Putin is only one Russian, of millions... and you are a Russian)
"Putin is the President. (there is only one President)

In reality, you may be a basurero, among many basureros...

But on this forum, you are the basurero. (there is only one, you, here on MasterRussian.)

"She is a Russian cook in Uglich." (there are many cooks in Uglich)
"She is the best Russian cook in Uglich." (pointing to her specifically, as the best cook).

If we are in a group of people, from many countries, someone may say "the Russian" (you), if the person does not know your name. This is usually not disrespectful, but instead for information and group organization.

Also... example..."the Russian soul"... in English we sometimes use "the" (and not "a") for philosophy, or academic concepts and ideas... in English, then, "the" is often used for respect or admiration.

Again, context in English is very important. Can you give us more information? When and how was "the Russian" used.

I mean, whenever you get a book translated into English, on the inside jacket or wherever it says "by person X, translated from the Russian/Spanish/Swedish/Arabic by person Y"

It just seems really odd.

Originally Posted by basurero

I mean, whenever you get a book translated into English, on the inside jacket or wherever it says "by person X, translated from the Russian/Spanish/Swedish/Arabic by person Y"

It just seems really odd.

AH! Now I understand your question.

In English, we use "the" when we refer to another language... "the Russian", "the Spanish", and so on

This is for 2 reasons... respect for the other language and...

...if we instead use "...a Russian..."...."...translated from a Russian...," then we are referring to a person, (some unknown person) but not the language.

This is a strange habit, I know, but normal for native English-speakers.

As the matter of fact, "translated from the Russian by" is more correct, academically, than "translated from Russian by"

Originally Posted by charlestonian

As the matter of fact, "translated from the Russian by" is more correct, academically, than "translated from Russian by"

I agree.