Zerstreuung

07:29 Mar 26, 2015 

Yoou are right, it isn't really a question of whether a word is now kind of obscure and might call for a footnote. I certainly wouldn't advocate rephrasing world literature into Globish; but if there was a key word involved that had completely different connations today, I might considere replacing it . Example: gay or geil. (as I said: The English term needs ideally to be a word that fits the18h century but still has the right meaning today. )
However I don't think that "diversions" will make the readers think exclusively of road works, so your suggestion is perfect! In one hour (24-hour rule) I can give you the award!

13:32 Mar 25, 2015 

I have checked this and thought of absence as in absent minded.

12:33 Mar 25, 2015 

Which means you would also have to rephrase Mark Twain, rewrite the poetry of Walt Whitman. Perhaps even reformulate the Declaration of Independence? :-)

I think not.

12:29 Mar 25, 2015 

The most suitable term should preferably - even if it fits the 18th century - still be understandable by modern-day Americans without them having to rush for their dictionaries!

09:12 Mar 25, 2015 

It has to be a word that infers distraction from grief and at the same time careful enjoyment, so that the one grieving doesn't lose contact with the brighter side of life.

07:56 Mar 25, 2015 

Thank you for the first answers. I can see you are pondering the same questions as I am. The English term needs ideally to be a word that fits the18h century but still has the right meaning today. And the "Zerstreuung" mustn't sound too "fun", I think the idea is to keep one's mind off the grief, isn't it?