Across Worlds: Translating Our Myths and Folktales
Panel Chong Lingying, Hafiz Rashid | Moderator: Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar
Myths and folktales are often challenging to translate due to their cultural richness and complexity. These narratives are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of their origin, and the symbolism and references may not easily transfer to another language. Find out from our panellists what goes into translating our asian folktales and myths, as they discuss the challenges that they face, and the choices that they make during the translation.
The session is supported by the National Translation Committee.
translation narratives diversity storytelling regional languages
Chong Lingying (Singapore)
Chong Lingying is a Jack of all trades with experience in writing, translating, editing, publishing, and selling content in print and digital formats. She is a co-founder of COMIX.SG, the online home for Singaporean comics.
Hafiz Rashid (Singapore)
Hafiz Rashid is an experienced museum docent who has been volunteering with the National Heritage Board (NHB) since 2013. He is also a storyteller who has performed at various events and venues such as Storyfest at the Arts House and Singapore Heritagefest. In 2021, he received the Teman Warisan award in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the Malay arts and heritage sector. His research interests include learning about the history, culture, folklore and languages of the Malay Archipelago, with a special focus on textiles. Hence, he is often seen wearing these textiles in his tours and storytelling sessions, sharing the stories behind their motifs and designs - stories with deep links to the past.
Moderator Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar (Singapore)
Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar has translated children’s picture books, fiction and poetry since 2017. She won the Inaugural MASTERA Translation Prize for Poetry in 2019 and Honourable Mention for Translation at the Golden Poing Award 2023. She has conducted translation workshops for students. She is also an editorial consultant and an author of eleven children’s picture books.
Programme dates and times are subject to change.