A Journey into Memory: Translating Patrick McGuinness

Research Background Throughout history, anthologists and translators have taken up the challenge to bridge the gap between different literary cultures, by conveying� via their choice of poets, poems, words, sounds � the poetic universe of the source culture to the audience of target culture. Through their work, anthologists and translators have often been able to act as catalysts for poetic innovation and mutual understanding. This output results from my involvement in the OCCT (Oxford Comparative Criticism and Translation) Research programme at St Anne's College in the University of Oxford. Research Contribution Through my translation of these compositions taken from Patrick McGuinness's poetic memoir Other People's Countries, my aim has been to present a snapshot of contemporary English-language poetic practice for the wider Italian audience and for Italian and multilingual academics. The compositions are accompanied by my translation of an unpublished commentary by the poet. I believe that poetry translation (selection, editing) constitutes research. These translations are included in a series of entries devoted to Contemporary English Poets in the online version of Nuovi Argomenti. Research Significance Nuovi Argomenti is one of the most influential literary magazine in Italy. Its online version, where these translations were published, is widely read by a large community of poets, academics, and literature lovers. Nuovi Argomenti is one of the most vivid platforms for literary discussion in the country (and beyond). It publishes work from the highest-profile intellectuals in the country.

Translation into Italian of two compositions taken from Patrick McGuinness's Other People's Countries as well as an interview with the author regarding matters of identity, memoir writing, intercultural communication, and poetry writing.