Language and Identity in Settler Colonialism

Jake Skeets curates poems by Diné poets centering on translation and the way that the Diné language orients its speakers to the world, which exists before them. He shares Rex Lee Jim’s invocation of voice as what brings life (“Language”), Laura Tohe’s embodiment of meaning in rhythm and sound (“Niltsá Bi'áád, Female Rain” and “Niltsá Bika', Male Rain”), and Luci Tapahonso’s blending of Diné syntax with English (“Hills Brothers Coffee”). Skeets closes with his poem “Emerging,” which traces the act of translation between English and Diné.

Watch the full recordings of Jim, Tohe, and Tapahonso readings for the Poetry Center on Voca:

Rex Lee Jim (2001)

Laura Tohe (2011)

Luci Tapahonso (2011)

Full transcripts of every episode are available on Buzzsprout. Look for the transcript tab under each episode.

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