Why do foreign audiences understand Shakespeare better than English speakers?

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Foreign audiences often find Shakespeare more accessible due to updated translations.

Foreign audiences frequently comprehend William Shakespeare more readily than English speakers because of contemporary translations that update archaic Renaissance language. For instance, a new French translation of King Lear by Olivier Cadiot aimed for "fluidity and precision," rendering the phrase "every inch a king" into the modern "total royale." This contrasts with the challenges faced in English-speaking countries, where attempts to modernize Shakespeare's language have met with significant opposition, with one petition stating, "The danger to Shakespeare is real."
Updated translations simplify archaic language

Many non-English speaking countries regularly produce updated translations of Shakespeare's works. In Germany and France, for example, while classic versions exist, modernised translations are frequently released. Japan also follows this practice, with early translations that mirrored Shakespeare's style using archaic Japanese having been superseded numerous times by more contemporary versions.
English speakers face comprehension barriers

In English-speaking countries, the evolution of the language presents a significant hurdle for contemporary theatre-goers. A 2016 study indicated that Shakespeare was considered more relevant in many non-English speaking nations than in Britain, with 36% of British respondents reporting they did not understand Shakespeare, compared to 25% in other countries. Scholars note that average theatre-goers often require additional assistance, such as footnotes or elaborate staging, to grasp the plays.
Obscured themes impact relevance

The linguistic distance in Shakespeare's original English can obscure important thematic debates present in his plays, such as those concerning race, social hierarchies, and the legitimacy of rulers. Experts suggest that if Shakespeare's works are kept untouched in their original language, they risk becoming a body of work that is "dying on the vine," losing their cultural relevance for modern audiences.
Modernization debate continues

There is an ongoing discussion regarding the impact of modernization on Shakespeare's works. Some scholars argue that the emotional depth and musicality of the original words are lost in translation, potentially diminishing the intended effect, as seen in Macbeth's "intentionally difficult" speeches meant to capture a "feverish mind." Conversely, others contend that the inherent power of Shakespeare's characterization and storytelling is universal and can transcend the original language, citing the enduring popularity of plays like Romeo and Juliet due to their narrative strength and pacing. Shakespeare scholar Alexa Alice Joubin posits that Shakespeare himself, a modernizer of English in his own era, would likely approve of updated versions.

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Why do foreign audiences understand Shakespeare better than English speakers?

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