Paeaguay’s Secretariat of Linguistic Policies (SPL) announces the launch of Poapu’apy ñe’ẽyvoty (A Handful of Poetry in Guaraní language). This work is a bilingual Guaraní-Spanish anthology book featuring ten emblematic figures of 20th century Paraguayan poetry. The book was translated by renowned writer and translator Susy Delgado.
The anthology includes works by Josefina Plá, Elvio Romero, and Hérib Campos Cervera. Additionally, work from Rubén Bareiro Saguier, Carlos Villagra Marsal, and other poets from the 1940s and 50s. Those poets marked an aesthetic renewal and a social commitment in Paraguayan literature.
The official launch took place at the Gran Chaco Hall of the Integration House (Casa de la Integración, or CAF) in Asunción. Partners of the book creation are the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and the Integration House.
Safeguarding the Guaraní language
“With translations like this, the Guaraní language is enriched, incorporating tones and styles from the other language and underscoring its capacity to convey complex discourses and high literature,” stated Javier Viveros, Minister of the Secretariat of Linguistic Policies.
“At the SPL, we deeply value the translation work of Susy Delgado, who, once again, demonstrates to us, through this material that was presented on Thursday, the richness, depth, and breadth of the Guaraní language, capable of engaging in dialogue with any universal language,” he added.
A promotion of interculturalism milestone
The launch of A Handful of Poetry represents a milestone in the promotion of interculturalism. The work also strengthen Guaraní as a literary language. The Handful of Poetry anthology book highlights Guaraní is opening new doors for its national and international projection.
This follows the work of the Global Peace Foundation and Patria Soñada Institute who digitalise work from the Ysyry Magazine. More than 14,000 poetic and musical work in Guaraní, Jopara, and Spanish have been saved. This unique collection forms an integral part of Paraguay’s cultural identity.
