>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 01:02:24 -0400
>From: Mine Aysen Doyran <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Cultural Politics
>
>http://www.ahram.org.eg/weekly/2000/480/cu2.htm
>Al-Ahram Weekly
>4 - 10 May 2000
>Issue No. 480
>
>Cultural politics
>
> By Edward Said...
>
> neither
> Adonis nor Darwish actually exists in anything like a comprehensive
>decent English translation. As for Qabbani, and
> others of his stature, he is simply not known, nor is there any
>immediate likelihood of forthcoming translations on an
> adequate scale, done by first-class translators and publishing
>houses. Whatever exists is intermittent, spotty, uneven
> and, as in Mahfouz's case, seems to supply a momentary albeit
>steady and appreciative demand. Youssef Chahine,
> for instance, has acquired the status of a master but his films are
>routinely unexhibited in theaters in London or New
> York. What we need is an immediately available infusion of
>contemporary Arabic cultural production in the
> English-speaking world (now at the centre of the world cultural
>debate), and that simply is not there. The idea of an
> integral library in English of Arabic works is simply unthinkable
>in the present political and cultural climate, where
> Arabs are either viewed as a problem, or as possible candidates for
>a dubious "peace process."
Perhaps Said could spend some time translating things?
It would seem to be the natural thing to do if one is bemoaning the
absence of good translations...
Brad DeLong
