Feb 23 • 14:09 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Anna Verschik: every poet has his own translator

Anna Verschik emphasizes that every poet has a unique translator, as she discusses her approach to translating contemporary Ukrainian poetry amid the ongoing war.

Anna Verschik, the recipient of the Estonian Culture Foundation's top literature award, believes that each poet has their own translator who resonates with their style and voice. This insight underscores her selective approach to translation, where she avoids translating poetry that, despite being high-quality, does not align with her own aesthetic preferences. By honoring the individual styles and unique characteristics of poets, Verschik maintains the integrity of their voices in translation.

In her recent compiled work titled 'Kas rabelen välja sellest tusast', Verschik presents a selection of contemporary Ukrainian poetry that emerges from the ongoing war. She highlights how Ukrainian poets have adapted to the challenges posed by conflict, utilizing platforms like Facebook to share their work widely and engage with translators globally. This modern approach enables rapid dissemination of poetry, fostering connections between poets and their audiences despite geographical distances.

Verschik's translations are characterized by their emotional depth and contemporariness, allowing readers to gain insight into the profound experiences of Ukrainian poets during wartime. The initiative reflects a broader cultural significance, as it not only promotes the voices of Ukrainian writers but also highlights the essential role of translators in rendering their experiences and sentiments accessible to a wider audience, thus bridging linguistic and cultural divides.

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