Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Italian term or phrase:
decrescita felice
English translation:
sustainable negative growth
Added to glossary by
Tom in London
Apr 30, 2009 18:49
15 yrs ago
12 viewers *
Italian term
decrescita felice
Italian to English
Social Sciences
Economics
Looking for a catchy, and hopefully succinct way to translate this term. The basic concept is generally described as "degrowth" or "degrowth economics." This particular term, which seems to have been coined in Italian by a writer named Pallante, has been translated in English as "happy degrowth." But my colleagues and I find this translation a bit lacking. Any ideas? Thanks!
Context:
The blog covering the movement on la decrescita felice is here: http://www.decrescitafelice.it/
For what it's worth, the Spanish term is "decrecimiento feliz" and can be read about here: http://dondesergio.blogia.com/2008/021901-el-decrecimiento-f...
Context:
The blog covering the movement on la decrescita felice is here: http://www.decrescitafelice.it/
For what it's worth, the Spanish term is "decrecimiento feliz" and can be read about here: http://dondesergio.blogia.com/2008/021901-el-decrecimiento-f...
Proposed translations
(English)
4 +1 | sustainable negative growth |
Tom in London
![]() |
5 | pleasurable / pleasant degrowth |
tom corradin (X)
![]() |
4 | benevolent degrowth |
Giles Watson
![]() |
3 | welcome degrowth |
potra
![]() |
References
happy degrowth |
Manuela Dal Castello
![]() |
Change log
May 9, 2009 16:06: Tom in London Created KOG entry
Proposed translations
+1
2 mins
Selected
sustainable negative growth
I wouldn't say "happy" in English - it sounds stupid.
I've read the book "Per una decrescita felice" in Italian translation from the French.
I've read the book "Per una decrescita felice" in Italian translation from the French.
3 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Sorry for the delay. I'm not quite sure this is the best answer, but seems like the idea of sustainability is tied into this. Thanks to everyone for all your ideas."
18 mins
welcome degrowth
The term degrowth seems wrong to me but it is becoming widely used. I think that 'felice' means welcome in this particular context
20 hrs
benevolent degrowth
Tom's proposal is a good way of expressing the idea in standard English but the unfortunate coinage "degrowth" (which reminds me of the looking-glass English concept of "unbirthday" without Lewis Carroll's sense of humour) should really be kept in the translation.
"Benevolent" looks like the best candidate to translate "felice" in this context.
HTH
Giles
"Benevolent" looks like the best candidate to translate "felice" in this context.
HTH
Giles
3 days 4 hrs
pleasurable / pleasant degrowth
I think they want to challenge the idea that happiness and well-being is linked to economic growth at all costs. I reckon "pleasant" goes nicely with "degrowth", it conveys the idea of a more pleasant and gentle society, and it's nearer the meaning of "felice".
Reference comments
2 hrs
Reference:
happy degrowth
although you can argue it may seem silly, what is meant is really this: stop economical growth to be happier...
Reference:
Something went wrong...