In a captivating session on Friday, January 19, 2024, Professor Darryl Sterk, an esteemed alumnus of the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto, took participants on a profound journey into the heart of cultural translation. The virtual event, hosted on Zoom, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into the indigenous language of Taiwan's indigenous people, emphasizing the importance of preserving their languages.
Professor Sterk, an Associate Professor of Translation at Lingnan University, began his talk by introducing his book, "Indigenous Cultural Translation: A Thick Description of Seediq Bale." The spotlight remained on the 2011 Taiwanese blockbuster, "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale," as a cultural touchstone. In navigating the cultural nuances embedded in language, Professor Sterk addressing topic such as authentic cultural representation, translator's subjectivity, linguistic modernization and so on. Furthermore, the lecture shed light on the multitude of current sources available for learning indigenous languages in Taiwan. Professor Sterk highlighted the significance of songs and films as effective tools for language preservation, illustrating how the translation of ancestral languages into Taiwanese for songs showcased earnest efforts to ensure the continued existence of endangered languages.
From the students' perspective, the session provided valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of cultural translation. Students learned about Taiwan's vibrant linguistic diversity of the Austronesian languages, responding with enthusiasm about the prospect of learning indigenous languages and crafts. The dynamic interaction with students added an engaging layer to the exploration of cultural translation, where discussions and questions about ethnicity and identity further enriched the immersive experience.
In essence, the event offered an immersive experience of the challenges and strategies of cultural translation, with a particular focus on preserving indigenous languages. Special thanks to all who have made the Speaker Series possible!
Professor Sterk introduces his book, "Indigenous Cultural Translation: A Thick Description of Seediq Bale"