Tricycle Talks
Pulitzer Prize Finalist Arthur Sze on Translating Loss and Renewal
Apr 10, 2024
Pulitzer Prize Finalist Arthur Sze discusses translating Chinese poetry and the vitality of the Chinese poetic tradition. He explores the ruptures and continuities between classical and contemporary Chinese poetry, the process of translation, and the importance of translation in today's world. He also reads poems from his latest collection, The Silk Dragon II.
01:00:36
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Quick takeaways
- Translation of Chinese poetry involves preserving essence while acknowledging loss of tonal sounds and rhythms.
- Metaphor of 'Silk Dragon' symbolizes the intricate and transformative nature of poetry, emphasizing language's tactile qualities.
Deep dives
Translation Challenges and Cultural Exchange
Translating Chinese poetry presents unique challenges, as every translator is acutely aware of the loss that occurs in the process. The speaker emphasizes the humility required to preserve the essence of the original work despite losing nuances like tonal sounds and rhythms. Despite these difficulties, the urgency and importance of translation for fostering cultural exchange and understanding are highlighted.
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