How to Verify the Original Language of The Internationale: A Comprehensive Guide
The Internationale is an anthem that has inspired workers across the world. However, many people may wonder if the original version is in English or Russian. To settle this question, we need to understand the historical and linguistic details behind the song's creation and its original language.
Understanding the Historical and Linguistic Context
>Wikipedia aside, just look at the title and the composer's name, which are both French. - La Vieille La Vieille Lutte
The original version of The Internationale is in French, not English or Russian. This can be confirmed through linguistic and historical analysis. The song's title and composer are of French origin, providing clear clues about the original language.
Clues from the Title and Composer
Clue 1: Even when cited by English speakers, the song title ends in -e, a typical feminine ending for French nouns. In French, L' is the contraction of la, meaning "the," which is often preceded by a vowel, as in L'Internationale.
Clue 2: The composer's name, Eugène Pottier, includes an accent grave, denoting the vowel sound //, which is frequently used in French with the letter "e." This further confirms the French origin of the song.
Clue 3: The historical context of the song's creation in 1871, during the suppression of the Paris Commune, is pregnant with meaning. Events described in Victor Hugo's Les Misérables reflect similar struggles, including the Semaine Sanglante, or "Bloody Week," when the French army brutally suppressed the Paris Commune.
The Semaine Sanglante is a pivotal event in French history, and its relevance to the creation of The Internationale is significant. For those who were born in Paris, this historical context is deeply personal and symbolic.
Official Context and Language
In its official context, The Internationale is recognized as La Lutte Ancienne, meaning "The Ancient Struggle." This aligns with its French origin and historical significance. Therefore, it cannot be accurately described as an English or Russian song, even if it has been translated into these languages in subsequent times.
Searching for the Original Language
The original version of The Internationale is always sung in French, regardless of any preference or language change movements. Any attempt to make it English or Russian is both anachronistic and disrespectful to the original creators and the historical context in which it was written.
Question rephrased: How can you find out if the original version of The Internationale is in a specific language?
Answer: The original version of The Internationale is in French. It has been translated into many languages, with the Russian version serving as the national anthem of the Soviet Union for a time.
This question highlights the importance of verifying the original language while also addressing common misconceptions about the song's linguistic origins.
Conclusion
In summary, The Internationale is originally a French song with a rich historical context. Any attempt to change its language is not only unnecessary but also a misrepresentation of its cultural and historical significance. By understanding the original language and the context in which it was created, we can appreciate the true meaning and spirit of this anthem.