Translating Boris Vian's Vercoquin et le plancton: Does it mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing?

Abstract

This article is the result of research and reflection undertaken in the process of translating Vercoquin et le plancton. Focusing on music-related references in Boris Vian's first published novel, this article will discuss different layers of meaning and a variety of techniques that can be discerned in Vian's punning and wordplay. The complexity and compactness of his writing make for an exceptional case study. Whilst much of the wordplay may justifiably be classed as ‘juvenile’, its many facets also reflect life in Occupied France, document the Zazou movement, voice a manifesto for jazz, and stage playfulness that can be viewed as ranging from the very silly to a form of resistance. Such sophistication – largely overlooked, hitherto – justifies re-evaluation of Vian's early work. Analysis of a number of challenges to translation gives rise to discussion of possible solutions, based on different considerations – genre, function and audience – and using different ‘tools’. This article seeks not to justify my own choices in translation. Rather, it should illustrate the point that research is essential, and that interpretation and creativity are necessary if one's strategy in literary translation is to try to provide a new audience with similar opportunities for their own readings as a Francophone audience might have.