The Faculty of Language and Linguistics Universiti Malaya, in collaboration with the Embassy of Peru to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Kingdom of Cambodia is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of an anthology of translated poems by the esteemed Peruvian poet, César Vallejo. The inauguration of this momentous event launched by YABhg Toh Puan Dato' Seri Hajah Dr. Aishah Ong, the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya.
César Vallejo, whom the late Martin Seymour-Smith, a distinguished figure in world literature, hailed as the "greatest twentieth-century poet in any language," has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique and enigmatic style. His works, which delve into themes of social justice, love, and the human condition, continue to captivate and inspire readers and writers across the globe. The translation of this anthology of César Vallejo's poems, a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Language and Linguistics and the Embassy of Peru to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Kingdom of Cambodia, seeks to make Vallejo's poetry more accessible to a broader audience.
This anthology encompasses a selection of his most celebrated works, carefully translated from Spanish to Malay, offering readers an opportunity to savor the beauty and profound essence of his poetry in the translated language. This translation project underscores the Universiti Malaya's unwavering dedication to fostering cultural exchange and linguistic diversity, reinforcing the institution's commitment to preserving the core of the Malay language while propelling its influence onto the international literary stage.
Beyond the realm of literary translation, this initiative not only brings a masterpiece of Spanish poetry into the Malay literary sphere but also underscores the significance of empowering the Malay language within the domain of translation. Universiti Malaya intends to inspire more translations from various languages into Malay, further elevating the language's stature at global stage.
The event commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem and prayer recitation, followed by a welcoming address by Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, and a speech delivered by H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, the Ambassador of Peru to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The event concludes with reading performance of selected poems and featuring talented students from the Faculty of Creative Arts.