On 'Refuge': 8 must-read poetry books in translation for National Poetry Day
Explore eight of some of the most important poetry books in translation for National Poetry Day on this year's theme of 'Refuge'.
Articles
Featuring Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf
So At One With You: Editing an Anthology of Somali Poetry
By: W N Herbert,
W.N. Herbert, co-editor of ‘So At One With You’, an anthology of the last fifty year of Somali poetry, reflects on editing the book and his own relationship with the Somali poets he has translated.
The Sea-Migrations: The Sunday Times Poetry Book of the Year!
By: Erica Jarnes
We are thrilled to announce that The Sea-Migrations by Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf translated from Somali by Clare Pollard has been named the Poetry Book of the Year by The Sunday Times.
Poetry as a meeting place - the PTC’s autumn tour
By: Erica Jarnes
Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf and her translator Clare Pollard wowed audiences, while Martin Orwin and Daljit Martin read from Catastrophe by Weedhsame, who was, sadly, kept away from the UK.
These Poems Don’t Need A Visa
By: Erica Jarnes
Listen to the Poetry Translation Centre’s playlist of poems from Libya, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia/Somaliland and Yemen, all countries affected by Trump’s ‘Muslim ban.’
A Day in the Life of a Poetry Translator
By: Natasha Sutton Williams
Poet Clare Pollard facilitates poetry translation workshops for the PTC. She talked to Natasha Sutton Williams of London Calling about the process and challenges of being a poet-translator.
Why do Somali poets have nicknames?
By: Ilhaan Mohamed
To naanays or not to naanays? Within the Somali community it is common for people to be referred to, almost exclusively, by a nickname or a naanays. So why do many poets, such as Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac (Gaarriye) and Maxamed Ibraahin Warsame (Hadraawi), have nicknames but Caasha Lul Mohamud Yusuf doesn’t?
Clare Pollard on Translating Caasha Lul Mohamud Yusuf
By: Clare Pollard,
In this fascinating essay, poet Clare Pollard talks about how vital the process of learning about Somali culture - camels, khat and all - helped her translate Caasha’s poetry. And how she turned to early English alliterative verse for inspiration.