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In a notable achievement for African literature, Meg Arenberg, Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at the Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) has been selected as one of the top ten recipients of the 2024 PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant. Professor Arenberg, whose expertise lies in African languages and translation, has been recognized for her ongoing translation project of Zanzibari novelist Ali Hilal Ali’s Kiswahili masterpiece, ‘Mmeza Fupa,’ which was awarded the Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature in 2017. The English rendition of the novel, titled ‘Swallower of Secrets,’ is poised to offer English-speaking audiences a window into the rich literary landscape of East Africa.
‘Mmeza Fupa‘ holds a distinguished place in Kiswahili literature, having been listed among the 23 Notable Kiswahili Novels by Brittle Paper in 2020. Professor Arenberg’s translation promises to capture the essence of Ali Hilal Ali’s narrative, delving into themes of friendship, kinship, migration, and the evolving dynamics of modern life in East Africa. The judges of the PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant commended Professor Arenberg for her adept portrayal of the characters and the vibrant setting of the fictional East African city depicted in the novel.
Professor Arenberg and novelist Ali Hilal Ali had the opportunity to showcase their work at the Zanzibar Book Fair in 2023, where they read excerpts from ‘Mmeza Fupa’ and its English translation, ‘Swallower of Secrets,’ further highlighting the significance of their collaboration in bridging linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Professor Arenberg’s translation efforts highlight the value of cultural exchange and linguistic representation. They also prompt introspection regarding the role of literary institutions in navigating complex geopolitical realities. As discussions continue within the literary sphere, projects like Professor Arenberg’s serve as poignant reminders of the transformative power of literature and the imperative of fostering inclusive dialogue on a global scale.
Professor Arenberg teaches Kiswahili to non-native speakers at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. This is part of The Africa Institute’s African Language and Translation program, offering certificates in languages such as Arabic, Amharic, Hausa, and Kiswahili.
In a notable achievement for African literature, Meg Arenberg, Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at the Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) has been selected as one of the top ten recipients of the 2024 PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant. Professor Arenberg, whose expertise lies in African languages and translation, has been recognized for her ongoing translation project of Zanzibari novelist Ali Hilal Ali’s Kiswahili masterpiece, ‘Mmeza Fupa,’ which was awarded the Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature in 2017. The English rendition of the novel, titled ‘Swallower of Secrets,’ is poised to offer English-speaking audiences a window into the rich literary landscape of East Africa.
In a notable achievement for African literature, Meg Arenberg, Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at the Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) has been selected as one of the top ten recipients of the 2024 PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant. Professor Arenberg, whose expertise lies in African languages and translation, has been recognized for her ongoing translation project of Zanzibari novelist Ali Hilal Ali’s Kiswahili masterpiece, ‘Mmeza Fupa,’ which was awarded the Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature in 2017. The English rendition of the novel, titled ‘Swallower of Secrets,’ is poised to offer English-speaking audiences a window into the rich literary landscape of East Africa.
‘Mmeza Fupa‘ holds a distinguished place in Kiswahili literature, having been listed among the 23 Notable Kiswahili Novels by Brittle Paper in 2020. Professor Arenberg’s translation promises to capture the essence of Ali Hilal Ali’s narrative, delving into themes of friendship, kinship, migration, and the evolving dynamics of modern life in East Africa. The judges of the PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant commended Professor Arenberg for her adept portrayal of the characters and the vibrant setting of the fictional East African city depicted in the novel.
Professor Arenberg and novelist Ali Hilal Ali had the opportunity to showcase their work at the Zanzibar Book Fair in 2023, where they read excerpts from ‘Mmeza Fupa’ and its English translation, ‘Swallower of Secrets,’ further highlighting the significance of their collaboration in bridging linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Professor Arenberg’s translation efforts highlight the value of cultural exchange and linguistic representation. They also prompt introspection regarding the role of literary institutions in navigating complex geopolitical realities. As discussions continue within the literary sphere, projects like Professor Arenberg’s serve as poignant reminders of the transformative power of literature and the imperative of fostering inclusive dialogue on a global scale.
Professor Arenberg teaches Kiswahili to non-native speakers at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. This is part of The Africa Institute’s African Language and Translation program, offering certificates in languages such as Arabic, Amharic, Hausa, and Kiswahili.
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