Translating #MeToo, Feminism, and Underrepresented Voices

Jenna Tang is the English translator of the Taiwanese author Lin Yi-Han's novel Fang Si-Chi's First Love Paradise. The novel is one of the most iconic feminist titles from Taiwan and a foundational text in the recent #MeToo movements in the Sinophone world. In her translation, Jenna Tang explored experimental ways and linguistic nuances to present narratives with deep emotions and to bring readers' attention to aspects of the society and culture that are once overlooked or not talked about enough. In the process of translating to publishing, then touring for the book, the journey has enabled her to be in conversation with the global #MeToo movements and with relevant literary works from other authors and cultures. It also tells its own story of what it's like to bring feminism and gender topics to different audiences. How do we approach vulnerability, trauma, and violence through translation craft and literature while being emotionally engaged with a book that is meaningful to us? How do we practice self-care and establish ourselves as who we are? What can languages and literature do to enable possible changes in different societies and beyond? In her talk, Jenna Tang will explore these questions with her audience.