Wasafiri — Matthew Thompson / Leah Diprose
In this article: Tiffany Tsao
Written by Khairani Barokka, and was originally published in Wasafiri
Jan 22, 2024
Written by Khairani Barokka, and was originally published in Wasafiri
Jan 22, 2024
In a conversation between Khairani Barokka and Tiffany Tsao, they engage in discussions about the intricacies of literature, translation ethics, and regional identity. Tiffany, recently honored with the PEN America Prize for translation, reflects on her Southeast Asian upbringing, highlighting a regional connection that influences her fiction and translation work, evident in her participation with the seams translation collective.
The interview also addresses misrepresentations of Southeast Asia in literature, exploring the challenges for writers in navigating global literary landscapes and maintaining a delicate balance between engaging with Western publishing systems and preserving authentic representation. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of accountability in crafting accurate depictions and highlights the challenges writers face in resisting assimilation into Western aesthetic norms while advocating for change in literary standards.
The interview also addresses misrepresentations of Southeast Asia in literature, exploring the challenges for writers in navigating global literary landscapes and maintaining a delicate balance between engaging with Western publishing systems and preserving authentic representation. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of accountability in crafting accurate depictions and highlights the challenges writers face in resisting assimilation into Western aesthetic norms while advocating for change in literary standards.
Read the full article here.
