Short Stories

in Translation

Translating stories can also pose challenges for accessing original meaning. Yet it also allows for increased representation and diverse perspectives.

We have selected a number of publically available short stories which pose interesting reflections about colonialism, history, gender norms, intersectionality, and cultural awareness.

Find attached a list of questions for each story to facilitate discussion in a group setting.

by Qurratulain Hyder

Translated from Urdu by Muhammad Umar Memon

Themes: Class, Indian Independence, Colonisation, British Empire, Family

Beyond the Fog

by Hanan al-Shayk

God, It’s as Though You’re Sewing a Dress For a Flea

Translated from Arabic by Randa Jarrar

Themes: Marriage, Class, Religion, Language, Ethnicity, Identity

The Neighborhood Phone

by Gabriella Ghermandi

Translated from Italian by Giovanna Bellesia-Contuzzi and by Victoria Offredi Poletto

Themes: Immigration, the idea of 'home', community, class, time

A Madman's Diary

by Lu Xun

Translated from Mandarin by Yang Hsien-yi & Gladys Yang

Themes: illness, tradition & modernity, paranoia, community, diary form

COMPARATIVE DISCUSSION

Falling Down Politely, or How to Use Up All Six Bullets Instead of Playing Russian Roulette

by Rasha Abbas

A Bedtime Story for Eid

by Zaher Omareen

Both translated from Arabic by Alice Guthrie

Themes: storytelling, violence, memory, insiders/outsiders

A Clean Marriage

by Sayaka Murata

Translated from Japanese by by Ginny Tapley Takemori

Themes: Sex, Family, Partnership, Marriage, Reproduction, Societal Norms