Kevin M wrote on 19. Dec 2009 at 22:49:
Sometimes the opaqueness of the language adds to the continuing interest in / mystery of the words. But, as you say, only up to a point. I recall skipping some of the Plain Tales from the Hills due to the Tommies. (now you've reminded me of it, I'll have to get my copy down from the loft. Whilst there, i'll get HH Munro as well ...)
Others (eg Eliot) are opaque enough in parts without the added complication of dialect. Makes me wonder how much of what we get from poetry is our superimposition on it, rather than the author's original intent.
That's a very important point K and without doubt the fullness of heavily accented works is sadly lost at some stage to those of us who struggle with unfamiliar construction.
When the language is universally understood however, what joy it brings;