Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society Become a member!

Tagged “Literary Translation”

Browse Tagged “Literary Translation” from the Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society archive, library and community collections.

Putting the Macedonian Modernist Poet, Aco Šhopov, into English

The Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society and the Literaturno Društvo “Brakja Miladinovci” hosted a well-attended literary evening celebrating the work of Macedonian poet Aco Šopov. The event, held at St. Clement Church, featured Christina Kramer and Rawley Grau, who presented their English translation of Šopov’s poetry collection The Long Coming of the Fire. They shared insights into their three-year translation process, read selected poems in both Macedonian and English, and engaged the audience in a discussion that deepened appreciation for Šopov’s powerful, evocative work. The evening highlighted the emotional intensity and historical depth of his poetry, while also recognizing the translators’ dedication. The project was supported by several organizations and published by Deep Vellum Press.

Double Book Launch: "BANITSA IN THE MAELSTROM OF THE WARS, 1903-1949" and "THE BELLS WILL RING TOMORROW: Tales of Village Life in Aegean Macedonia"

The Canadian Macedonian Historical Society featured a Zoom double book launch moderated by Professor Emerita Christina Kramer on "BANITSA IN THE MAELSTROM OF THE WARS, 1903-1949' presented by Dr. Constantine Mallin and "THE BELLS WILL RING TOMORROW: Tales of Village Life in Aegean Macedonia" presented by Virginia Evans. "Banitsa was a big influential village and here is its story of turmoil affecting the unsettled lives of 3 generations of resilient Macedonians." "There is nothing in English that deals with Macedonian culture in this way. Human response to death, grieving, exploitation and fear, struggle and survival ... a powerful vehicle of storytelling." To order a copy of "Banitsa in the Maelstrom of the Wars, 1903-1949," please email Dr. Dan Mallin at: cdan.mallin@utoronto.ca To order a copy of "The Bells Will Ring Tomorrow: Tales of Village Life in Aegean Macedonia," please email Virginia Evans at: vaenter@rogers.com

Translating Balkans - Professor Christina Kramer, author, translator, linguist

On March 3, Professor Christina Kramer—Chair of Slavic languages at the University of Toronto—presented a lecture and book launch titled "Translating the Balkans," where she detailed the intricate and often "agonizing" process of translating Macedonian and Bulgarian literary works into English. Focusing on her translations of authors Luan Starova and Goce Smilevski, Kramer described her methodology as a multi-stage evolution: beginning with a raw "blast" of words followed by months of meticulous polishing to balance English fluency with loyalty to the original tone and intent. The event, supported by the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society and the Albanian Canadian Community Association, highlighted the cultural significance of these works and featured a live Skype appearance by Starova, as well as a tribute to Smilevski’s award-winning novel Freud's Sister. Kramer's expertise was underscored by praise from critics and authors alike, emphasizing her ability to make translated prose feel as though it were originally authored in English.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Macedonia

The July 2012 donation of a 130-title virtual library by Consul General Dragan Gjurceski represents a landmark achievement in making Macedonian literature accessible to the Canadian diaspora. This extensive collection, featuring translations by over 80 scholars including Dr. Christina Kramer, bridges the gap between traditional Macedonian narratives and English-speaking audiences through a diverse array of fiction, poetry, and drama. Complemented by the personal donations of local author Patsy Sider, the acquisition strengthens the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society’s role as a cultural hub, though its long-term success relies on community volunteers to ensure these newly acquired resources remain available through a regularly open library.

Old Church Slavonic: Language, History, and Macedonian Context

The Canadian Macedonian Historical Society lecture on Old Church Slavonic, featuring Christina Kramer and Joseph Schallert, explored the historical, linguistic, and cultural significance of the first literary Slavic language and its deep connection to the Macedonian region. The speakers examined how the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the later work of Saint Clement of Ohrid and Saint Naum in Ohrid Literary School helped establish and preserve Slavic literacy, emphasizing the central role of Macedonia in this tradition. The lecture also highlighted Old Church Slavonic as a key source for understanding the evolution of modern Slavic languages, especially Macedonian language, while underscoring how language, history, and identity remain deeply intertwined in the Balkans.