ZURINAH HASSAN: POETRY IN TRANSLATION

ZURINAH HASSAN

 

Zurinah Hassan is one of Malaysia's foremost poets

and literary figures. Her distinguished career spans several decades, during which she has made significant contributions

to modern Malay literature through poetry, prose, literary criticism, and public lectures. Her writing is deeply rooted 

in the cultural heritage of the Malay world while exploring universal themes of humanity, faith, love, identity, history, nature, and social responsibility.

Her poetry has reached an international readership through translations into English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Russian, an achievement that reflects the universal appeal 

of her work and contributes to the growing recognition of Malaysian and Southeast Asian literature worldwide.

In addition to her poetry collections, Zurinah Hassan is the author of A Journey Through Prose and Poetry, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in collaboration with the International Islamic University Malaysia. The collection offers valuable insights into her literary journey, creative philosophy, and the cultural influences that have shaped her writing. It also documents her experiences as a Malaysian woman writer and her commitment to preserving and enriching the Malay literary tradition.

Throughout her career, Zurinah Hassan has participated in literary seminars, poetry readings, and cultural programmes in Malaysia and abroad. Her work continues to inspire readers, students, scholars, and translators, demonstrating that poetry written in the Malay language can transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries. Through her lifelong dedication to literature, she has helped bring the voice of Malaysian poetry to the international stage. 

 

When Poetry Crosses Borders

Poetry begins in one language, but its deepest hope is to speak to humanity beyond borders.

Over the years, my poems, originally written in Malay, have been translated into English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Russian. Each translation represents more than a change of language. It is a journey from one culture to another, allowing readers from different parts of the world to encounter Malaysian literature through poetry.

As a Malaysian and Southeast Asian poet, I regard this as one of the most meaningful milestones of my literary life. Yet these translations have received little public attention. Most were published quietly, with very little promotion. Consequently, many readers, both in Malaysia and abroad, are unaware that my work is available in these languages.

I have therefore decided to share this story myself—not to seek praise, but to celebrate the power of literature to cross borders and to encourage greater appreciation of Malaysian poetry on the international stage.

Every translation is the result of trust, dedication, and collaboration between the poet and the translator. I am deeply grateful to the translators and publishers who believed that these poems deserved new voices in other languages.

My hope is that these translations will continue to introduce international readers to the richness of Malaysian literature and inspire more translations of Southeast Asian poetry in the years to come.

Poetry belongs to no single language. When a poem is translated with care and sensitivity, it becomes a bridge between cultures and reminds us that our shared humanity is greater than our differences.