Language As Purpose

[Recorded Dec. 11, 2024]Have you ever heard an artist speak about the music of a sentence? Do you think of an artist as someone who can weave through both word and sound? Some also have a capacity to create and lead ~ Christopher Martin is one such person. He has reveled in word and sound over many decades, and speaks to why and how certain playwrights and musicians continue to affect us.Hear what Chris learned, touring as a musician from a young age; creating and operating a successful repertory company in New York; and directing plays around the world. His observations about changes within music and theatre, and why the classics are still worthwhile, may give you a different perspective on what different forms of art are meant to do.You can find more about Chris here: http://www.christophermartinshakespeare.com.

[Recorded Dec. 10, 2024]Have you ever thought of translation as crafting a voice for someone? Take a listen to Ted Goossen, and consider the rhythm of a writer's voice.Ted is a literary translator and professor emeritus at York University in Toronto. He is the editor of The Oxford Book of Japanese Short Stories, and one of the founding editors of the translation journal, MONKEY New Writing from Japan.Hear how Ted stumbled upon an opportunity for overseas study in Japan in the late 1960's, and how immersion impacted his learning experience. We're lucky to listen to detail on what he taught in his Modern And Contemporary Japanese Literature class at York, but also about broader areas (such as teachers and translators reaching people on injustice and redress.) Thinking about differences between Canada and the US gives us perspective, and we speak on the value of learning about cultures outside of our own.Oh, and don't just exercise Ted's recommendations on authors to discover - visit translation journal MONKEY, and the team that showcases contemporary Japanese literature: https://monkeymagazine.org.

[Recorded Dec. 3, 2024]Today I’m speaking with Alina Fernanda Picayo. She works as a Spanish and English interpreter and translator. We hear from Alina about different forms of interpreting; what it was like to interpret during the pandemic; what having a command of language means; and what it means to be responsible with your words. We speak about what is involved in choosing the work you do, what interview processes can entail, and also about her work with immigration shelters within New York.Alina works for a family-owned publisher [that of her grandmother and uncle,] which publishes bilingual children's books, as well as books by Native American writers, many of whom speak a native language as their first language. To learn more about the books published, visit: https://www.littlebellcaribbean.com https://guanipress.comTo find Alina's own writing, which was recently published in a literary and academic anthology, you can visit: https://www.amazon.com/IMAGEN-MADRE-LITERATURA-ESC%C3%89NICAS-VISUALES/dp/1934370924

[Recorded Dec. 2, 2024]Today I’m speaking with art expert, dealer, and lecturer Max Rutherston, a specialist in Japanese works of art. While he started his language journey with French, we hear how he went on to study and use Japanese in his business, and about the challenges and benefits of learning several languages. He also helps us explore a bit about Japanese netsuke (small, intricately carved sculptures with a utilitarian purpose) - even how they relate to word play! While Max's career spans multiple countries and languages, we also hear how his efforts have yielded more than just substantial business. Putting time into a language doesn't just distinguish one's expertise; it also encourages trust - and above all, a comfort between human beings. Nothing compares to the gratification of communicating with someone from a culture different than your own.To find Max, go to: https://rutherston.com/biography/ - you can also find him on Instagram: @rutherstonTo discover netsuke, visit: https://netsuke.org/