Asynchronous Workshop: “Translating Worlds, Exploring Words” with Joanna Chen

“A translation can serve as a lens into the underground life of another culture”
– Cynthia Ozick 

Literary translation involves a deep reading of words; it is the natural companion of both reading and writing. The art and practice of literary translation enriches and informs our own writing. It provides a unique perspective on words we thought we knew, holding each one up to the light, examining it and deepening its presence.  

In this generative workshop we will examine and explore translated poetry from Yiddish, Hebrew and other languages, opening doors to other worlds, both past and present.

Together we will discuss what translation means to us and how to approach it. We will experiment with our own translations of poetry, letting our love for language guide us. No prior experience necessary, all welcome. 

Handouts will be sent with the texts to be discussed.

Workshop Costs

Purchase the asynchronous workshop here to receive:

• One recorded class
• Link to poems discussed in class

$36—standard registration

$30—discounted registration for Yetzirah Members (you can become a member here)

*As we want our offerings to be accessible to all, there is a pay-what-you-can option if this pricing is a hardship. Please contact Kyra Lisse at klisse@yetzirahpoets.org for a sliding scale option.