Scholar of Judaic studies to give lecture about Yiddish translation

As only two to three percent of Yiddish literature has been translated into English, it is important for scholars to examine the few texts that have been translated. By doing this, readers can learn about the cultural changes of both Jewish American culture and the ways the Yiddish language has evolved in contemporary society.

On Mar. 26 at 7 p.m., the University of Michigan’s Tikva Frymer-Kensky Collegiate Professor of Judaic studies, Anita Norich, will deliver a lecture titled “Yiddish Translation Matters” that explores the transformations Yiddish translation has undergone. The presentation will take place at the University of Cincinnati’s 200 Stratford Heights Pavilion.

Among many topics, the talk will discuss popular authors whose work has been translated to both English and the silver screen, such as Sholem Aleichem and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Translated poetry by Y.L. Peretz, Yankev Glatshteyn, Kadya Molodovsky and others will also be considered.

“Yiddish Translation Matters” will ask questions about developments in Jewish identity and investigate the challenges of translating a language rooted in religious ritual and multilingualism.

Norich is most recently the author of “Writing in Tongues: Yiddish Translation in the Twentieth Century,” which was published in 2013 by University of Washington Press.

“Yiddish Translation Matters” is free and open to the public, and no previous knowledge of Yiddish language or culture is needed.