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by Prisha Translating works is quite a difficult job since it requires a blend of linguistic skill, cultural sensitivity, and creative intuition. It bridges gaps between cultures - allowing stories, poetry, and narratives to leave the confines of their native languages and find resonance with audiences across the globe. With the globalisation of literature and the increasing demand for cross-cultural storytelling, literary translation has become a fulfilling and viable career option for language enthusiasts and literary connoisseurs alike.  Have you ever read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky or War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy? Did you know that both of these books were originally written in Russian and what we now read is just a translation of it? Even the translation of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude into English required not only linguistic expertise but also a deep understanding of Colombian culture, magical realism, and the historical backdrop of the novel. Similarly, translating Japanese haikus into English involves navigating the challenges of brevity, cultural references, and syllabic constraints. So many of these hidden gems would still be well hidden if not for translators. So what is Literary Translation ? Literary translation refers to the process of adapting literary works from one language to another, focusing not only on the linguistic meaning but also on the emotional, cultural, and stylistic essence of the original text. Unlike technical or legal translations, literary translation seeks to preserve the artistry of the source material, recreating its every nuance in the target language. Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali, originally written in Bengali, offers another profound example. When Tagore translated his own work into English, he didn’t merely translate the words but reimagined the poetry to appeal to a global audience, ultimately earning him the Nobel Prize for Literature. His translation highlighted the spiritual essence and lyrical beauty of the original text, allowing it to connect deeply with readers worldwide. It’s more than knowing two languages, it's a delicate balance tipping precariously between fidelity to the source material and the creative freedom necessary to engage a new audience that defines the essence of literary translation. It is more than finding equivalent words but about capturing the spirit of the original work, ensuring its universal appeal whilst preserving its emotional and artistic integrity. How is Translation Important ? Translation of literary works has been essential in many ways. It gives readers worldwide to, allow the novel to overcome linguistic barriers and connect with a global audience. It gives people worldwide the chance to explore stories and ideologies that otherwise would have remained inaccessible. It’s given readers a view into diverse narrative and perspectives, building a bridge into various cultures and communities. Translating historical or lesser-known works ensures that they are not lost to time, preserving their significance for future generations. The Future of Translation? The future of literary translation holds numerous possibilities. It’s not as simple as using tools like Google Translate. Even though AI-powered tools have significantly advanced, they lack the nuanced understanding of context, tone, and cultural understanding that human translators bring. While technology can aid in initial translations or suggest alternatives, the artistry of literary translation remains firmly in human hands. In short, the psyche and creative ideas of the author can only be understood on an emotional level by another person, not a computer. In a globalised world, demand for literary translation is expected to grow, with an emphasis on preserving cultural integrity while appealing to wider audiences. The rise of digital platforms has also expanded opportunities for translators, making literature more accessible than ever before.  In short, translation has been a boon for literature by helping us understand various texts from different backgrounds. Translators can be thought of as cultural ambassadors, bringing stories to new audiences and building global empathy. Each successful translation is a testament to the translator’s dedication and skill, contributing to the ever-growing world of literature.

by Carina Humans have been expressing ourselves through poems for thousands of years, from ancient epics to sonnets. Poetry is arguably one of the most popular forms of writing, and for good reason. Like music and art, poetry allows us to express ourselves. It’s also enjoyable to read, oftentimes including aesthetically pleasing visuals or wordplay. Although I love poetry, I often find it difficult to digest, and especially write. This guide to the many genres of poetry is for anyone like me who wishes to understand more about the different types of poetry. Free Verse: This type of poetry is pretty straightforward. It doesn’t have many rules or guidelines, allowing the poet to express themselves freely. Free verse poems don’t require rhyming, certain themes, and can be any length. Limerick: Limerick poems are some of my favorites, because they are funny and lighthearted. Unlike free verse poems, limericks have some rules. They must be 5 lines, and follow an AABBA pattern of rhyming. This means the first, second, and fifth lines should all rhyme, while the third and fourth lines should also rhyme with each other. Haiku: This genre of poem is short, yet extremely popular. It originated in Japan and is spreading throughout the world. It consists of seventeen syllables throughout three lines. There should be five syllables in the first line, followed by seven syllables in the second, and five again in the last. Also, haikus are usually about nature. Blackout: Blackout poetry is one of the most visually appealing types of poetry. It starts with a page of words, typically from a book or short story, where you will identify words that correspond with a theme or tell a story. Then, you will color in the space around the words with a picture relating to the theme or fill it in with black. Epic: Epic poems tell tales of heroic adventures. They’re typically fictional or historical with some dramatic effect. These poems can be very long, even book length at times. Because of their impressive length, epic poems are very detailed with amazing storytelling. Ode: Ode poems are dedicated, in celebration, to a person, idea, place, or object. They usually have a formal and serious tone, but aren’t very strict with rules such as size and rhyming. Sonnet: Many people have heard of sonnet poems in school, because they were popularised by Shakespeare. They consist of fourteen lines, and typically follow an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme pattern, although there are other variations. Acrostic: Similar to blackout poems, acrostic poems are also visually pleasing. These poems are very common for exercises in school, so it’s likely you’ve seen one. In acrostic poems, the first letter of each line spells out a word. For example, if the first letter of line one was L, line two was O, line three was V, and line four was E, they would spell out the word love. Oftentimes these poems have a similar theme to the word they spell out. Elegy: Although elegies don't have strict rules, they do have a thematic guideline. They are about death, mourning, and loss, but can contain hopeful messages. Villanelle: This genre of poem has quite strict rules. It has nineteen lines, broken into five tercets (3 line stanzas/groups), and one quatrain (4 line stanza/group). The tercets of this poem follow an ABA rhyming pattern, while the quatrains follow an ABAA pattern. There is also a lot of repetition in villanelle poems. Line one should repeat in lines six, twelve, and eighteen. Line three should repeat in lines nine, fifteen, and nineteen. These poems are usually about admiration and obsession. Reading and writing poetry don’t have to be confusing. Exploring the foundation of poetic genres can help us interpret them and understand how poetry works. As I learn more about poetry, it becomes more enjoyable for me. I hope that you can say the same after reading this deep dive. References: “What Is Poetry? Definition, Characteristics and Types.” Domestika , www.domestika.org/en/blog/11367-what-is-poetry-definition-characteristics-and-types . Accessed Dec. 2024. Kramer, Lindsay. “11 Types of Poetry to Know, with Examples.” Grammarly Blog , 13 Apr. 2023, www.grammarly.com/blog/creative-writing/types-of-poetry/ . Accessed Dec. 2024. “What Is an Ode? Definition and Examples.” Poem Analysis , poemanalysis.com/poetic-form/ode/ . Accessed Dec. 2024. “18 Poetic Forms Every Poet Should Know.” BBC Maestro , 24 Nov. 2023, www.bbcmaestro.com/blog/poetic-forms . Accessed Dec. 2024. Bergman, Bennet. "Villanelle." LitCharts.  LitCharts LLC, 5 May 2017. Web. 17 Dec 2024.

by Skylar When I begin to write, my fingers become an entryway into all the aggressions and joys that have been kept under wraps. A blank page sits patiently, waiting to be colored with your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Writing can truly be a safe space —a sanctuary where you can create whatever worlds your heart desires. This article explores how writing provides not only a creative outlet, but also a haven for comfort, reflection, and growth.  Writing, in its purest form, is a reflection of our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. The act of putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, gives us freedom to express the multitude of emotions that swirl through our minds. Often, we only think of writing as something created for others to consume. Stories, articles, and essays are written with an audience in mind. But writing has the potential to satisfy an intrinsic need; we need to process, release, and understand our feelings.  The page is a judgement-free zone, one that absorbs all emotions without any bias. Whether that’s happiness, sadness, anxiety, or anger, the page is always there for you, ready to receive and to wear your sentiments. Writing allows you to process those emotions, to get them out of your head and onto the page. Simply expressing those ideas that are hard to articulate can be cathartic, offering clarity and preventing emotions from building up. This release unburdens you.  Beyond helping you understand your feelings, thinking of writing as a safe space can open up possibilities for you as a creator. Free of judgement, you can create those magnificent worlds, sketch out characters, and explore ideas that might never see publication. These ideas aren’t meant to impress anyone. They will exist solely for the sake of your happiness.   As we begin to view writing as a safe space, we open ourselves to look at the mistakes we’ve made and embrace the growth they will bring. Drafts that don’t work become opportunities to reflect and improve, reminding us that perfection is not the goal. Growth is. Writing is a process of discovery. By just typing your thoughts, you can discover new and unique metaphors and similes. You’ll be surprised by introspective writing and what it can uncover. Remember, this isn’t anything you show to others. Writing can be personal; it’s you on a page. To truly create a safe space, set aside time to write. It’s important to create the right environment. Relax, write, let the thoughts flow, and don’t judge. This doesn’t call for editing or censoring. Remember, this isn’t about perfection. To further experiment with creativity, use prompts that you wouldn’t normally choose, experiment with different styles of writing, journal about your day. Or just write what you’re used to. The key is to just let yourself exist.   Writing doesn’t always have to be for an audience. Sometimes, it can remain a sacred, intimate practice only meant for you. So, choose your medium, whether pencil or paper or open a blank document and let yourself be free. Writing isn’t just a job; it’s a gift you can give yourself.

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Issue VIII: The Human Experience July 2024 Who are you? Who are we? What is our purpose on this planet? Why do we think? Why do we act? Why do we form groups? Why do we do what we do? How do we define ourselves? How do we know the things we love? What shapes our personalities? What causes our thoughts? What drives our actions? What influences our relationships? What defines our lives? What does it mean to be human? Psychological, biological, philosophical, or fantastical - whatever perspective you choose to go with, this is the question we wanted answered. We asked our readers to tell us in their own words and art what humanity and humaneness meant to them. We asked them to explain to us the human experience, in all its wonders and scars, beauty and flaws. Read Now CONTRIBUTORS POETRY Riddhi Iyer To be Human (Staff Contribution) Aurora Skye Vessel Ezra Mukami Untitled Jaiden Geolingo Here, Grief Angela Acosta Approximation of Latin American Diya Kapoor the big thing that lives in the sky Nirmit Mittal To Gaza Lydia Rae Bush Risk Ruth Towne Sweets to the Sweet Gabby Parkinson Lost in Translation Ray Shubert Purpose Mia Jevtic sentenced to your love Rah Royal the first twelve years of my life Liv Gamble How To Exist Nina Stadermann Reverie Muskan Gupta Poof and Gone Milan Singh Blur AC. Sandglass Just Talk Alexys K. Beautiful and Human Ruby Dyan My Day Wong Eu Kenn Michelangelo's Sculpture Sundos Hejazi art of life/life of art Kit Thurston-Mathews A Kitten's Offering Aunezti Burk What Day Is It? Rowan Through the artist's lens Nevaeh Phillips Life doesn’t end Chloe we were Urja Srivastava an understanding of the human experience Inaya Aly Khan Lunacy in a Fifteen Year Old Zoe Moon Xoxo Yuvika Gupta The Life Express Chloe Ho Chamber Music Maryam Majid I don't believe in atoms (I want to touch something) Jessamine Jin Infinities Cora McCullough Is Kindness Words Or Actions? Liv L. Ascend Bryan Duong Milstead faded gleam, renewed dream Halley Kunen Engine Flitting Malcolm Wernestrom it's a dog eat dog world Ivy J My Eurydice Friends W. E. Everhart Humanity weeps Asad R. Unexpected Transmission layla h. your best girl Rahil Najafabadi The Correspondence PROSE Isabel Loytty Highway Shannon Tran Grief & Bliss Elizabeth Butler Unnatural Selection E. Syson Seventeen Years (and an Extra Few Weeks) Alana Rodrigues Birch, Law of the Wild Aleeza Aneel who? me? Kiara Turner My Angst and Me Nusayba Bokhari Seeds alarminglytired (Nyx) As The Zephyr Wind Blows Claire M.M. A Ferryman's Fate Soraya Saros Crop of Prometheus Madison Cossaboom We Are The Fish Meagan Da capo sunny Our Paths Will Cross Again, I Promise Aki Rayne The Man by the Pond Arianna Kanji to be human is to wait Andrea Balingit The Exam Svara Carmel Narasiah Enough Alin Sengjaroen Tenderly Yours Phoenix Eddolls Death's favourite mortician Roukia Ali "The Old Brag" Ara Djati When Light Refracts Kaitlyn Fan Headed Towards Home FJGCSABA What are we defined as? How? Robert Aden Lonergan STRAWBERRY MILK CREATIVE NON-FICTION Kai Existential Espresso Kaitlyn Abrielle McCormick Eden Sydney Lynn A Letter From Ireland Zainab Ansari older and bigger Sophia Quintana The Numbers Game Clara Salo Meaning in Platonic Forms Elizabeth Maxwell What's next? Julia Vellucci Roses and Resilience ART Yasmin Kareem The depths within Desi Distel Northside gang:) Tehya Metzinger The Lake Sleeps Under the Willow Mitra Arianfar Lingering Touch PHOTOGRAPHY Sophia Liu Invisible China FEATURED INDIE AUTHORS Pavla Leitgebova The Deadliest Wish Sera Amoroso The Makria Cycle-Torsion

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