ICD Quotes – Center for Intercultural Dialogue

Translation is a Place of Resting

Cutler-MacKenzie, Kathryn. (2020, December 15). Translation is a place of resting, of being in common. Lucy Writers.

In this article, artist and art historian Kathryn Cutler-MacKenzie describes her experience during an Erasmus exchange in Paris, including this wonderful comment about translation:

Thus when we speak of the relevance of translation today, we speak of the importance of shared conversation, shifting perspectives and creating spaces of together. Translation, like collage, is conversation, across geographical and time-bound zones: it is the space between, rather than of, voices. And in translation, just as in collage, we always lose something of the original picture – we must be content in not knowing the full picture. Indeed, speaking, thinking and making between languages has taught me that what we have now is never all that there is; in other words, that we can always surprise ourselves, that change is possible, even in the most confined of settings with the most limited of tools.

Quote of the Day: Communication as a Miracle of Translation

Occasionally when I read, a quote related to intercultural dialogue strikes me as particularly noteworthy for being insightful, concise, beautifully written, and/or original. One example is provided below. Given the translations I have been publishing, not to mention the state of the world these days, it seems particularly apropos.

“Every act of communication is a miracle of translation.” (p. vii)

• Liu, K. (2016). The paper menagerie and other stories. London: Saga Press.

If you have quotes you would like to see posted, submit them for consideration to intercult.dialogue@[at]gmail.com

Wendy Leeds-Hurwitz, Director
Center for Intercultural Dialogue

Quote of the Day: Culture, Sustainability, Intercultural Dialogue

Occasionally when I read, a quote related to intercultural dialogue strikes me as particularly noteworthy for being insightful, concise, beautifully written, and/or original. One example is provided below. If you have quotes you would like to see posted, submit them for consideration to intercult.dialogue@[at]gmail.com

“Participation in cultural activities fosters young people to be more imaginative and innovative: the processes of creation and cultural participation provide knowledge and techniques to imagine and expand horizons, integrate diverse elements, and create something new. Cultural experiences can be important platforms for the development of capacities that expand self-knowledge, self-expression, self-determination, and life satisfaction and well-being.”
…
“Educational systems at all levels should include the acquisition of cultural skills and knowledge pertaining to intercultural dialogue; the recognition and valuing of diversity, creativity, tangible and intangible heritage; and the development of skills using digital tools for cultural transmission, innovative expression, and bridging of cultures.” (p. 30)

• Duxbury, N., Hosagrahar, J., & Pascual, J. (2016). Why must culture be at the heart of sustainable urban development? Barcelona, Spain: United Cities and Local Governments.

Wendy Leeds-Hurwitz, Director
Center for Intercultural Dialogue