Analysis of the translation of some Latin terms from the elegy of ÁlbioTibulo: auena, calamus, fistula and tibia

Abstract

Departing from my doctoral studies, in which I translated all the amorous elegies by Albius Tibullus, an ancient Roman author, this article discusses possibilities for the ideal translation of the Latin terms that describe wind musical instruments – auena, calamus, fistula and tibia. These terms arise in Tibullus’ Elegies and, in the traditional Portuguese-language translation, they are mostly, and traditionally, translated into the noun "flauta" (flute). In order to arrive at a more adequate solution to the problem, not only Tibullus’ verses are considered, but also part of the work of other important poets of ancient Rome, as well as a bibliography dedicated to discussing wind musical instruments in antiquity.