This month, we are thinking about language and translations!
Language is how we think, connect, and understand the world around us, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be written or spoken words. The meaning of language is ENDLESS, especially when it comes to books.
We all communicate in different languages, so translations and the act of translating are really important for sharing our experiences and our literature with each other.
📚 Here’s the plan:
As always, we encourage you to bring books, music, articles or films to our discussion that you feel resonate with the theme of language and translations. We thought we’d give you some examples this time around!
You might think of language and translations in a couple of ways:
- Through translated books
- Through books that approach the topic of language and translation
Shakya: “I chose the book ‘Revathi, a life of trans activism’ by A. Revathi, because not only it’s a translation from a literal sense, from Tamil to English, but in the process, it shares queer experiences beyond a western context.”
Temi: “I chose Babel because it explores fantastical aspects of language. It involves a world where translating between two languages creates magic and highlights what meanings are lost and what is gained (or lost) when people of colour translate their native tongues.”
If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to read ‘Revathi: A life of trans activism’ by A. Revathi along with Shakya and reflect on the ways that an iconic trans Indian woman translates her life story and her journey to starting an NGO to support the trans community. If you’d like to grab a copy, it's available at Lighthouse Bookshop (let us know if you'd like a discount code 😌)
This space is specifically for POC readers; allies can support us by attending our next event or by donating directly to Saffron Cherry.
📚Recommendations:
Revathi: A life of trans activism - by A. Revathi, translated by Nandini Murali
Babel by RF Kuang
Foreign mothers, foreign tongues (essay) by Dina Nayeri
Axel: How To Rememeber (podcast episode) by Axel Kacoutie
The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi
Unfortunately not all of the books we have mentioned are available at Lighthouse Bookshop - if there's something you're interested in reading, we can lend you a free copy or guide you to alternative places to find that book:)
📚Venue Accessibility:
Roots is accessible through a small ramp at the entrance. The event will take place in the front room which is accessible via wheelchair.
There will be hot drinks and snacks at this event so please notify us if you have allergies or dietary requirements.
Face masks are encouraged but we'll have spares on hand if you forget. Please reconsider attending this event if you feel that you may have been in contact with coronavirus recently - you can always tune in next month!
There is a gender-neutral toilet which is accessible via staircase.