Translating Heritage: brenda Lin '94 Joins a Journey with Indigenous Wisdom and Creative Expression

Nov 11 2024

The faculty at TAS actively shape the global dialogue surrounding literature, education, and culture. Among them, Upper School English teacher brenda Lin has embraced this mission by passionately translating the works of award-winning Indigenous writer Apyang．Imiq (程廷). Through this ongoing collaboration, the TAS community is granted a precious chance to engage with Indigenous knowledge and discover the rich tapestry of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.

"Translating Apyang’s work started as a personal journey for me to better understand Taiwan’s Indigenous culture and wisdom. The work of translation involves close reading and consideration of each word or phrase, then carefully choosing English counterparts that will be faithful to the heart and essence of the author’s intent; it is a deeply humbling learning experience. I feel honored to be able to translate Apyang’s writing for a wider readership,” brenda shared, reflecting on her involvement in the project.

Apyang’s essays, such as those in his book 我長在打開的樹洞 (Growing Up in a Tree Hollow), speak to the profound connection between land, tradition, and community, reflecting the challenges and cultural wisdom of Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples.

Apyang, a deeply rooted writer from the Taroko tribe in Hualien, draws much of his inspiration from the landscapes of his homeland. He describes Rangah Qhuni, a creek near his village that translates to "open tree hole," symbolizing how his writing broadens the view of Indigenous life, much like sunlight breaking through an ancient canopy.

brenda’s role in translating Apyang's work transcends mere language conversion; it has become an exploration of the complexities involved in preserving cultural narratives. Apyang’s essays often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the intricate relationship between tradition and modernity.

"I knew that translating his work would require more than linguistic precision. The challenge was in capturing the spirit of his experiences, which is so deeply rooted in the land and traditions of his people," brenda explained.

Apyang’s writings reflect his personal journey—from a young man distanced from his roots to someone who returned home to farm, hunt, and write about the life of his people. His narratives explore the traditions of weaving, hunting, and the cultural significance of millet farming in his community, interweaving them with personal struggles, identity, and his experiences as an openly gay Indigenous man. One powerful essay, TminumYaku: Weaving and I, reflects on how he defied gender norms by taking up weaving, a traditionally female craft in his culture.

Translating Indigenous knowledge into English allows readers worldwide to access stories they may have never encountered otherwise. It emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity in an increasingly globalized world and highlights the role literature plays in bridging cultural gaps.

At TAS, the intersection of education, culture, and creative expression will undoubtedly enrich the lives of both students and faculty, cultivating a lasting understanding of Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape.

Here are two translations available online. There are two more published in the print editions of Gulf Coast Journal and The Kenyon Review.