We have put together a literal translation from Latin back into English. When we compare it to JK Rowling’s original, we’ll see how clunky our version is. But it’s not bad at all for a first pass.
Dominus et Domina Dursley, qui vivebant in aedibus Gestationis Ligustrorum numero quattuor signatis, non sine superbia dicebant se ratione ordinaria vivendi uti neque se paenitere illius rationis. in toto orbe terrarum vix credas quemquam esse minus deditum rebus novis et arcanis, quod ineptias tales omnino spernebant.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.
What was the point of this exercise? Well, apart from the fun we’ve had, there are two points. One is to show the kind of choices a translator has to make. In moving between Latin and English we are not just switching languages. We are switching one world for another, and every line of a translation is making a decision about how those worlds relate. This should make you feel good about deciding to read Latin in the original. Every translation has to leave something out, and you will have access to those bonus features when you read the original texts.
The second point is a simple one. Follow your fun. If Harry and Hermione appeal to you more than Aeneas and Dido, read Harrius Potter. It will improve your fluency no end. Aeneas and Dido will still be here when you get back.
Meanwhile, let’s learn some words and try another chunk of Potter.