In this week of updates from around the world, our Editors-at-Large report on a monumental literary award and an insightful language-focused podcast. From the Nairobi International Book Fair in Kenya to Jennifer Feeley’s advice for emerging translators of Cantonese literature in Hong Kong, read on to learn more!
Wambua Muindi, Editor-at-Large, reporting for Kenya
This year’s Nairobi International Book Fair was held September 25–29, celebrating twenty-five years of bringing together the world’s literatures. On September 28, 2024, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature 2024 winners were announced at the Westlands Banquet Center. Dedicated to authors writing in English and Kiswahili, Kenya’s official and national languages respectively, this year’s edition marked a comeback after a two-year hiatus due to funding challenges. An important distinction in the local book circuit sponsored by the Kenya Publishers Association, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for literature has been celebrating Kenyan authors since 1972. This year, Ngumi Kibera’s The Gambler (2021), published by the Oxford University Press, took the adult category in English, and Tony Mochama’s A Jacket for Ahmed (2021) from Oxford University Press took the youth category. In the Kiswahili awards, Daniel Okello’s Kifunganjia (2021) published by Storymoja won the adult category while M.K. Taurus’ Swila Arejea na Hadithi Nyingine, published by Storymoja, took the children’s, and John Habwe’s Mshale wa Matumaini, published by Access Publishers, took the youth category. In addition, the association announced a list of twenty-five notable books and authors in the country over the last two and half decades. Congratulations to the winners and their publishers!
In other news, the Literature Students Association of the Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi hosted the incredible Winston Farrel on October 9, 2024. The Barbadian poet spoke about Caribbean poetry, focusing on the power of spoken word poetry, particularly drawing from dub poetry. In attendance was Professor Kithaka wa Mberia, a renowned linguist and Swahili playwright of the Department of Kiswahili who had accompanied the poet in a meeting with other artists like Tony Mochama and poet Dorphanage to an event organized through the Barbados High Commission. In Nairobi, he was also a part of the “Poets You Should Know” event organized by Alliance Francaise, where he gave an impactful performance.
Charlie Ng, Editor-at-Large, reporting for Hong Kong
In recent updates related to the translation of Hong Kong literature, the podcast “Chatty Cantonese” has released the third installment of its conversation with award-winning translator Jennifer Feeley. The first episode of the series covers Feeley’s journey in learning Cantonese and her experience of translating Xi Xi’s poetry and fiction, while the second focuses on her work on translating Tongueless by Lau Yee-wa. In the concluding segment, she offers valuable insights and advice for those aspiring to enter the field of literary translation. Additionally, it has been announced that the American Literary Translators Association will provide two mentorship opportunities for emerging translators of Hong Kong literature, one of which will be led by Jennifer Feeley. Applications are being accepted until November 30.
Published on September 24 on the Asian Art Archive website, Koel Chu’s translation of the essay “A Hong Kong Story: Why Is It So Difficult to Tell?” by esteemed Hong Kong writer Leung Ping-kwan, also known as Yasi, explores the complex identity of Hong Kong through its representations in film, art, and theater, highlighting the challenges of conveying the city’s essence. Leung’s essay covers a wide range of cultural texts related to Hong Kong, including Wong Kar-wai’s Days of Being Wild, television shows featuring Lindzay Chan, drama performances by the Chung Ying Theatre Company, as well as various paintings and photographs. He suggests that while it may be difficult to tell a completely new story about Hong Kong, many people are still striving to share their narratives in unique ways. By moving away from conventional interpretations and infusing clichéd images with fresh emotions, it is possible to revive old narratives and give them new meaning. Furthermore, Chris Song, assistant professor of the University of Toronto, completed a translation of Hong Kong writer Lü Lun’s work “Piano Day,” which was published in Cha: An Asian Journal on October 14. The original Chinese short story was first published in Hong Kong literary magazine 島上 in 1930, one of the early periodicals on Hong Kong literature. “Piano Day” portrays the lives of modern women, exploring themes of desire and decadence in a metropolitan setting.
*****
Read more on the Asymptote blog: