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Korea Herald
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Poet Kim Hye-soon on creative power of translating literature
Award-winning poet discusses 'What Is Korean Literature to the International Reader?' at the 2025 LTI Korea Global Literature Forum Translated literature is a gift to the language it arrives in, acclaimed poet Kim Hye-soon said, describing it as the Korean language offering a present — 'like tossing a new pebble into the well of another language.' 'I think translating Korean literature isn't about elevating Korea's literary status. Rather, it's about expanding the boundaries of the target language. Translation is a reciprocal relationship, not a one-way transaction,' Kim said. 'We already know how much the boundaries of Korean have broadened through translations of foreign works — how our ways of thinking have deepened and diversified. I believe the same holds true in reverse.' Kim spoke at the 2025 LTI Korea Global Literature Forum during a wide-ranging onstage conversation with Jeffrey Yang, editor-at-large at New Directions, on the topic 'What Is Korean Literature to the International Reader?' New Directions has published two of Kim's recent English collections: 'Autobiography of Death' and 'Phantom Pain Wings,' both translated by Choi Don Mee. Fresh from a monthlong European book tour through Germany, Austria and the UK, Kim said conversations with international audiences had energized her in unexpected ways. 'Through these exchanges, I feel as though we're expanding the 'territory of poetry.' Maybe that's why we call out to poets from afar,' she said. Kim also reflected on the contrast between how literature is discussed at home and abroad. 'In Korea, I'm often asked about 'Korean literature' — where it should be heading, what its defining characteristics are — but honestly, I don't even know where 'my own literature' is headed.' 'Outside the country, however, I've always had the impression that people focus more on individual works rather than national categories. I can't recall being asked a question framed around nationality, and we don't approach their writers that way either.' While she's happy to recommend Korean poets when asked abroad and welcomes growing international interest in Korean literature, Kim noted that she has never thought of herself as writing 'Korean literature.' 'I've always just seen myself as doing 'literature,'' she said, adding that she hopes policymakers will move beyond broad national labels and show greater respect for each writer's individuality. 'Translation is creative act' Kim has been steadily gaining international recognition, winning numerous accolades worldwide. In 2019, she became the first Asian woman to win Canada's prestigious Griffin Poetry Prize. More recently, she was named an International Writer by the Royal Society of Literature in England in 2022, elected an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in April, and shortlisted for Germany's international prize for literature this year. Despite these honors, Kim remains candid about her uncertainty over why her work resonates with readers abroad. 'That's the part I really don't understand. Whether in Korea or elsewhere, I don't know exactly why I have readers. Some may be drawn to the way the translation offers a familiar way of speaking, while others might be intrigued by its unfamiliarity. I think I fall into the latter group.' What has moved her most, however, is not the prizes but what happens to her translators. 'The most striking moments for me are when those who translated my poems later debuted as poets themselves. Some began writing poems while translating my work, opened up their own poetic worlds, published collections and went on to win major awards. That has been the most memorable part.' She cited Choi, her longtime English translator, who often says that translating Kim's poems sparked her own writing practice. 'Just as I discover my poems in the sound drifting through this world, I think there's a similar kind of discovery at work in poetry translation. Translation is not just word-by-word interpretation; it is a creative act.' Kim shared her views on the art of poetry translation itself. 'I believe that translating poetry begins with translating its form and rhythm,' she said. 'When translators ask me what I want most from them, I always tell them: 'Translate the rhythm.'' She also acknowledged the inevitable challenges and occasional mistranslations in the process. 'Sometimes a homonym might be misunderstood, for example, the word for 'tribe' was translated as 'lack,' or 'starting a pilgrimage' was rendered as 'ending a pilgrimage,'' she said. But she emphasized that translation is not about nitpicking such errors. 'I think of translation as translating the house the poet built,' she said. 'The mistakes I mention are more like a cup placed slightly askew on a shelf in that house, a small detail, but the house itself remains intact.'
Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
AUB President Fadlo Khuri joins American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Fadlo Khuri, the sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Khuri was elected in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership, a recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere, particularly during a decade marked by overlapping crises. This places him among a select group of global leaders. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and an independent research centre, convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence across disciplines, professions, and perspectives. Its members are recognised for impacting lives and societies in various fields of human endeavour. Founded in 1780 by figures including John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the Academy's first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. In response to the news, Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' Abdo G. Kadifa, Chairperson of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees, commented on the announcement, stating, 'Since assuming office in 2015, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri has been a transformative leader. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.' He concluded, 'Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.' American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.' She added, 'We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.'
Observer
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
AUB President elected to the American Academy
BEIRUT: The sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, Dr Fadlo R Khuri, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. This latest milestone recognises Dr Khuri's exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, as well as his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere during a decade plagued by overlapping crises, placing him among a select group of global leaders. As an honorary society and an independent research centre, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence that span across disciplines, professions and perspectives. All of its members have impacted the lives of people and societies, leaving their mark in every field of human endeavour. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; American political and intellectual leader James Bowdoin; and American statesman John Hancock. Its first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. Dr Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Maine marine scientist elected to America's oldest honorary society
May 19—A University of Maine marine scientist has earned a place among the likes of George Washington, Albert Einstein, Duke Ellington and Madeleine Albright as members of the nation's oldest honorary society. Bob Steneck is one of nearly 250 members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. His four decades of research at UMaine has impacted how lobster fisheries research is conducted — and, in working closely with fishermen, focused on research to support the industry and its harvesters. He's the first University of Maine faculty researcher to be named to the society. Steneck said in a statement that he was shocked he had been elected. And he's excited to collaborate with members of America's art and scientific fields. "I didn't see this coming," he said. "We all live on the same planet; we see similar things but integrate our experiences in new ways that sometimes shines a new light where it belongs or opens someone's mind to something new." The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780, in part by John Adams, John Hancock and James Bowdoin — the namesake of Bowdoin College. It's an honorary society and independent research center that "recognizes excellence" and gathers interdisciplinary researchers together "to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent and virtuous people." Candidates are first nominated by two people who are already members. They then go through multiple rounds of review, which includes a vote by all society members. The academy does not disclose which member make nominations. The 2025 cohort also includes CNN reporter Anderson Cooper, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and activist Gloria Steinem. Steneck retired in 2023 and is a professor emeritus of oceanography, marine biology and marine policy. He's also continued his research at UMaine's Darling Marine Center in Walpole. UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said Steneck's election was "well-earned," a sign of his "transformative impact." "The honor is a testament to the lasting benefits of Bob's legacy, she said, "which include changing our understanding of Maine's most lucrative fishery, establishing a multidecadal relationship with our fishermen and coastal communities and helping preserve vital ecosystems across the Western hemisphere." Many of Steneck's former students have grown into leaders within the marine research and fisheries communities. That includes Carl Wilson, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Wilson has committed to collaborating with fishermen to best oversee the future of Maine's fisheries, a principle he said he learned from Steneck. "Bob has been one of the most influential people in my career. He instilled in me the importance of being curious, of questioning, and being open to new ideas," Wilson said in an email. "That perspective is why I will continue to work to ensure that fishermen have a place at the table." Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Maine marine scientist elected to America's oldest honorary society
May 19—A University of Maine marine scientist has earned a place among the likes of George Washington, Albert Einstein, Duke Ellington and Madeleine Albright as members of the nation's oldest honorary society. Bob Steneck is one of nearly 250 members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. His four decades of research at UMaine has impacted how lobster fisheries research is conducted — and, in working closely with fishermen, focused on research to support the industry and its harvesters. He's the first University of Maine faculty researcher to be named to the society. Steneck said in a statement that he was shocked he had been elected. And he's excited to collaborate with members of America's art and scientific fields. "I didn't see this coming," he said. "We all live on the same planet; we see similar things but integrate our experiences in new ways that sometimes shines a new light where it belongs or opens someone's mind to something new." The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780, in part by John Adams, John Hancock and James Bowdoin — the namesake of Bowdoin College. It's an honorary society and independent research center that "recognizes excellence" and gathers interdisciplinary researchers together "to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent and virtuous people." Candidates are first nominated by two people who are already members. They then go through multiple rounds of review, which includes a vote by all society members. The academy does not disclose which member make nominations. The 2025 cohort also includes CNN reporter Anderson Cooper, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and activist Gloria Steinem. Steneck retired in 2023 and is a professor emeritus of oceanography, marine biology and marine policy. He's also continued his research at UMaine's Darling Marine Center in Walpole. UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said Steneck's election was "well-earned," a sign of his "transformative impact." "The honor is a testament to the lasting benefits of Bob's legacy, she said, "which include changing our understanding of Maine's most lucrative fishery, establishing a multidecadal relationship with our fishermen and coastal communities and helping preserve vital ecosystems across the Western hemisphere." Many of Steneck's former students have grown into leaders within the marine research and fisheries communities. That includes Carl Wilson, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Wilson has committed to collaborating with fishermen to best oversee the future of Maine's fisheries, a principle he said he learned from Steneck. "Bob has been one of the most influential people in my career. He instilled in me the importance of being curious, of questioning, and being open to new ideas," Wilson said in an email. "That perspective is why I will continue to work to ensure that fishermen have a place at the table." Copy the Story Link
