Poetry: Woeser Poems

[Anthony Pollard]

     There is something about translations from an original language, we can assume some degradation because we rely on the translation from a secondary source. However, our students most likely will not be able to read the language in which the Woeser poems were actually written. 

     The Woeser poems provide a great source for analysis. The time in which they are written gives our students an opportunity to perceive the emotional state the tone intends, and then translate its meaning using their 21st century critical thinking and close reading skills.

     For example, Of Mixed Race, dated July 21, 1993 Lhasa, the word "her" is being used, but is the intended purpose to be about a woman, for a woman, a woman's thoughts, or a woman's desires? It is Western to assume a particular gender, for a particular interpretative comprehension.