[lit-ideas] Re: Geisha (Was: Sapir/Whorf Hypothesis)
- From: Jlsperanza@xxxxxxx
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 23:30:19 EDT
In a message dated 8/22/2004 10:43:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,
mccreery@xxxxxxx writes:
In any case, real geisha, who (as a near-literal translation of
"geisha," i.e. "artist") implies are highly trained professional
entertainers
----
A next-literal translation seems to be "artiste" (from the OED below). I'm
(slightly) amazed that the first quote in English for 'geisha' is dated 1891. I
would have thought that some English explorer would have imported such an
interesting 'conception' before that, seeing that it is an ancient Japanese
tradition, too (mediaeval).
Cheers,
JL
1891 E. ARNOLD in Contemp. Rev. Dec. 777
All Kyôto's geishas will be there.
---
"artiste" [Fr.: see 'artist'; a re-introduction of the Fr. word in
consequence of the modern tendency to restrict artist to those engaged in the
fine
arts, and especially painting.]
Meaning: a public performer who appeals to the æsthetic faculties, as a
professional _singer_, _dancer_ [emphases mine. JLS] , etc.; also, one who
makes
a â??fine artâ?? of his [sic] employment, as an artistic cook, hairdresser,
etc.
= "artist" 6, 8a, b.
1823 Drama, or Pocket Theatr. Mag. IV. 355
He [sc. Charles Vestris] is clearly the least distinguished artiste of the
whole race of Vestris.
1832 Athenæum No. 237. 307
The German artistes who did such ample justice to the choruses of the
Freischütz.
1833 MACREADU Remin. I. 372
Went to Drury Lane to see Went to what an artiste!
1843 _PRESCOTT_
(http://0-dictionary.oed.com.csulib.ctstateu.edu/help/bib/oed2-p3.html#prescott)
Mexico IV. i. (1864) 206
The Aztec artistes..had penetrated deep into the mysteries of culinary
science.
1871 R. H. HORNE in Gentl. Mag. Sept. 473
At his house were met artists and artistes of various kinds, all â??on their
promotionâ?? and students in literature, poetry, and science.
1909 WODEHOUSE Swoop II. viii. 101
They stood talking and blocking the gangway, as etiquette demands that a
successful artiste shall.
1955 Times 19 Aug. 4/1
The The <NOBthey lose their e on notice boards inside the reception on
no..were absent today.
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