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Ibn al-Muqaffaʿs "Kalīlah and Dimnah: Fables of Virtue and Vice"
Dec 2, 2024
James E. Montgomery, Sir Thomas Adams Professor of Arabic at the University of Cambridge, discusses the enduring significance of "Kalīlah and Dimnah," a collection of fables by Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ. He explores the challenges of literary translation and its vital role in making these ancient stories relevant today. Montgomery delves into themes of governance, ethics, and the moral complexities of leadership found in the fables, while reflecting on their impact on modern political discourse and the art of storytelling.
01:13:51
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Quick takeaways
- Montgomery's passion for Arabic literature was ignited during his academic journey, leading him to a distinguished career in Arabic studies.
- Ibn al-Muqaffa's fables in Kalila and Dimna not only display animal allegories but also reflect political complexities and ethical dilemmas of governance.
Deep dives
Professor Montgomery's Academic Journey
James E. Montgomery, an esteemed scholar in Arabic studies, shares his academic path that led him to become the Sir Thomas Adams Professor of Arabic at the University of Cambridge. His fascination with Arabic began during his university years when he shifted his focus from Latin and Greek to Arabic, ultimately pursuing a PhD in the language. Montgomery emphasizes that his discovery of Arabic opened a vast, previously unknown world, which has sustained his passion for over four decades. His current translation project, Kalila and Dimna, stems from this lifelong commitment to bringing classical Arabic literature to wider audiences.
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