Jee Leong Koh

The lecture series has been incredible so far. Each week we’re treated to new perspectives and modes of translation. The fact that Jee Leong Koh isn’t a translator himself but converts himself into a translator in Snow is fascinating. This is because I’ve heard it said before that translation is like acting, where the translator takes on the role of a character or narrator and “acts” as them so the essence of the original can be effectively conveyed. And here, Jee Leong Koh does the opposite. He’s not a translator but has written himself into Snow as one.

Despite not being a translator, Jee Leong Koh gave a lot of food for thought when it comes to translation. For me, what struck me the most was when he said, 'writing is a form of migration that translation helps spread.' Reflecting on this statement, I thought of Sam Fujimoto Mayer's experience as an Asian American, and subsequently, the immigrant experience in America, in general. Writing as migration suggests that writing, like migration, involves a journey or movement. In the context of migrant experiences, writing can be seen as a way to navigate and explore different aspects of one's identity, culture, and experiences. It's a means of moving one's thoughts, feelings, and stories from the internal world to the external world, and from one cultural context to another.


Translation, then, is the tool that helps spread the 'migrated' ideas or writings. Just as migrants might seek to share their culture, experiences, and perspectives with a new community, translation allows written works to reach a broader audience beyond their original linguistic and cultural boundaries. It facilitates the crossing of barriers, enabling the writer's voice to be heard and understood in different contexts.


In the context of migrant identities, this statement can be particularly resonant because it captures the essence of their experience: navigating between cultures, languages, and identities, and seeking to communicate and connect across these divides. Translation, in this sense, is not just about converting words from one language to another, but about conveying the depth and nuances of one's experiences and heritage to others.


This metaphor particularly resonates with me as a child of immigrants, making me see translation as a very intimate act. It has made translation a little more personal to me, as a way to share identity, culture, and heritage.


**Also, I really loved that Koh gave his talk in the persona of Sam Fujimoto Mayer!


—Maria

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