National Public Radio Commentator Andrei Codrescu discussed his thoughts on language and translation from the perspective of a Romanian immigrant at the Wisconsin Union Theater Monday night.
The event was co-sponsored by UW-Madison's Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Asia. The lecture is part of the Distinguished Lecture Series run by the Wisconsin Union Directorate.
Codrescu was born in Romania but grew up speaking German and Hungarian as his first languages. He learned English while growing up in Romania.
Codrescu said there is much more to learning a language than simply learning basic definitions.
""The language is attached to the body, and I couldn't speak [English] and learn it until I figured out what the communicative universe surrounding those words was all about,"" Codrescu said.
Codrescu described his first journeys in America in his late teens, during which he spent time in Chicago meeting with various professors at the University of Chicago.
Although he did not attend the university, his inspiration for poetry and languages began there.
Translating texts offers new meaning to poems and literature, according to Codrescu.
""From the moment this business of learning language happened in whatever way it happened, it was great to write poems,"" Codrescu said. ""As much English that I had, it was great to write poems. And once I had a couple words, I had a poem.""
Codrescu said there is more to translation than simply language.
""Swimming between languages is something we do,"" Codrescu said. ""Translation is something else that happens; it's something outside the language. Whether you come from Romania or you are actually born here, you are always translating, translating from feelings to language and actions. We live in a world of translations.""
Tomislav Longinovic, professor of Slavic and comparative literature, said Codrescu is a lively commentator.
""Above all, Codrescu's written and spoken word has been inspired by the spirit of humor,"" Longinovic said.
Codrescu is best known for his commentary on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and he is a renowned poet and author.
