The Role of Translators in Shaping Global Literature
Moroccan translator and writer Ibrahim Al-Khatib emphasizes that translators play a pivotal role in crafting global literature, as they broaden the reception of literary works by rewriting and disseminating them among readers who may not understand the original language. Throughout his career, Al-Khatib has significantly contributed to the appreciation of literature in Arabic, skillfully reinterpreting the works of notable authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Juan Goytisolo, and Paul Bowles, while also engaging with critical perspectives from influential literary figures like the Russian Formalists and French Surrealists, as well as Roland Barthes. His extensive experience in literary criticism, particularly regarding recent publications related to Morocco and those authored by Moroccan writers in the narrative realm, has positioned him as a key figure in the literary landscape.
Juan Goytisolo: A Literary Journey Through Cultures
In his latest work, released as he enters the eighth decade of his life, Al-Khatib presents readers with the intricate dimensions and influences of Juan Goytisolo, including his connections with Moroccan, Palestinian, and French spaces, his engagement with literature, and the contemporary Moroccan creative expressions that are both rooted and modern. Goytisolo, a prominent Spanish author and advocate for the recognition of Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the focus of Al-Khatib's book titled "Juan Goytisolo: The Last of the Moors." This publication, released by Al-Mutawassit Publishing, encapsulates Goytisolo's profound relationship with Morocco, illustrating how the writer navigated between two worlds—Europe and Morocco—and two cultures—Christianity and Islam—while employing both the Spanish and Arabic languages.
According to the book's introduction, Goytisolo lived in Morocco since the early 1970s, during which time he produced a substantial body of work that spans novels, short stories, literary criticism, political essays, and documentaries addressing international issues. Throughout his career, he remained committed to advocating for just humanitarian causes and critiquing Western hypocrisy regarding these matters. Goytisolo's distaste for all forms of oppression, coupled with his respect for diversity and otherness, reflects his deep appreciation for Islamic culture and values.
Al-Khatib's new book not only explores Goytisolo's ties to Morocco but also delves into the prominent author's legacy and the collaborative nature of translation between Moroccan and Eastern writers. Mahmoud Abdel Ghani, the poet, translator, and critic known for his works such as "The Tangier Dictionary" and "The Basic Terms in Literary Translation," regards Al-Khatib's latest publication as a testament to Goytisolo’s ability to fill the world with the beauty of his narratives and his firm stance on various commitments. Goytisolo's time in Morocco served as a cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual driving force in his works; notably, he defended Morocco's right to its territorial integrity in his 1978 book “The Sahara Issue” and chose Tangier as the setting for his novel “Don Julian.” Additionally, the narrator in his story “The Cemetery” mirrors the popular storytellers who populate the Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech.
One of the most compelling aspects highlighted by Abdel Ghani is Goytisolo's critique of the negative stance held by both official and popular Spanish opinion towards Southern countries, including the Arab world, specifically Morocco. He stresses the need for a robust intellectual effort to extricate Spain from its excessive European focus, advocating for a deeper understanding of the language, thought, literature, and arts from the southern shore. This call for awareness is crucial, especially given the prevailing ignorance within Spanish public opinion regarding Morocco, characterized by a profound and stubborn lack of understanding of the culture, values, and lifestyles of these peoples, as well as their political, economic, and social challenges.
As reported by hespress.com.
