re: Irish Proverb 266 - Seanfhocail Ghaeilge 266

Dale D — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:32 GMT

This expression shows some marked differences between English and Irish, but I'm wondering if some of them might be the choices of the translator?

"It's a long road that has no turning" from "Is fada an bóthar nach bhfuil aon chasadh ann." The first thing that strikes me is the use of the definite article in the Irish "Is fada an bothar" and the indefinite article in English "It's a long road...." Why not translate it "The road is long that has no turning" to incorporate the definite article employed? Just curious if there's a reason for it, or if it's just the judgement and/or preference of the translator?

Dale D.