Literary translation as a linguistic survival strategy | John Corbett | TEDxUIC
In the globalised, technology-driven world, many ‘traditional’ aspects of society seem threatened; among them, minority languages, such those spoken by lowland Scots and the Nuosu of China, and the practice and study of literature and translation. Just as minority cultures are threatened by globalisation, enrolment in the Humanities is dropping and (so some pessimists claim), human interpreters and translators will soon be replaced by chatbots. This talk challenges these assumptions of inevitable decline by showing that literary translation is a fundamentally human activity, that, among other things, can support minority languages and sustain traditional cultures. Moreover, literary translation in and out of minority languages can sustain marginalised cultures, not in a static but in a dynamic fashion. This talk draws on examples of verse by the Chinese writer, Jidi Majia, whose poetry about the Yi Minority, and in particular the traditions of the Nuosu people, has been translated into over 40 languages, including Scots. This talk draws on translations into Scots to demonstrate how literary translation can be an effective strategy for linguistic and cultural survival. John Corbett was appointed Professor of English at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) in September 2020. He served as Programme Director of English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS) from May 2021 until June 2022, when he became Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS). He has many years of experience of university teaching, research and administration in Scotland, Macau and Brazil, having formerly been a Professor at the Universities of Glasgow and Macau, and Visiting Professor at the University of Sao Paulo. He has wide teaching and research interests, with numerous publications in the areas of applied linguistics, translation studies, Scottish literature and the Scots language. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 1:40Trekking across the North Pole in the darkness of arctic winter #shorts #tedx#shorts #tedx #ted #adventure #antarctica #winter #expedition
- 7:47The Truth About Deep Fakes, and What We Should Do About Them | Ben Colman | TEDxMidAtlanticBen Colman dives deep into the world of DeepFakes and generative AI, exposing both the extraordinary advancements and the unsettling consequences that have emerged. Colman articulates how decreasing hardware and software costs has made powerful generative AI tools accessible to virtually anyone. While these advancements enable creative and positive uses, they also open the doors to nefarious activities, including identity fraud and non-consensual pornography. Colman provides a sobering analysis of the exponential increase in DeepFakes, illustrating its impact through alarming statistics and real-world examples. He discusses the challenges governments and institutions face in detecting and regulating this rapidly evolving technology. Drawing on his expertise and research at Reality Defender, Colman explains the complexities of identifying AI-generated media and the limitations of current detection methods. He highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and regulatory frameworks to protect individuals and societies from the dark side of AI. Colman offers a glimpse into potential safeguards and legislative efforts, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support in tackling this global issue. This talk is a wake-up call and a beacon of hope, showing a path toward responsible and safe AI use as we navigate the intersection of technology, ethics, and human values. Ben Colman is the founder of Reality Defender, the leading provider of deepfake detection. Over the past 15 years, Ben has scaled multiple companies at the intersection of privacy, AI, and cyber security. Prior to this, Ben led cyber commercialization at Goldman Sachs, and was a graduate intern at Google. Ben holds a master's degree from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College.Reality Defender is a deepfake detection platform for enterprises, governments, and platforms to detect AI-generated content and manipulations across audio, video, image, and text files. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:29How Inclusive Storytelling Can Help Us Reimagine Democracy | Felipe Estefan | TEDxMidAtlanticIn this powerful talk, Felipe Estefan shares his transformative journey from dreaming of pop stardom in Bogota, Colombia, to championing democracy and inclusion. Through personal anecdotes and compelling examples, he highlights the critical role of storytelling in shaping societies, advocating for narratives that reflect the true diversity of human experiences. Estefan challenges us to reimagine our future by investing in stories that promote joy, belonging, and possibility for everyone. Felipe leads Luminate’s efforts in Latin America, managing grants and investments focused on advancing Civic Empowerment, Independent Media, Data & Digital Rights, and Financial Transparency in the region. He also oversees Luminate’s Narrative Change work.Previously, as an Open Government Strategist at the World Bank, Felipe travelled to more than 40 countries around the world, advocating for and advancing efforts to make governments more open and to foster collaboration between state and non-state organisations.Prior to this, Felipe was a founding member of the Open Contracting Partnership, a Planning Producer at CNN’s Washington bureau and was part of the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations in Switzerland. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:39Finding 'True North' — Embracing Life's Highs and Lows Through Jazz | Sunny Sumter | TEDxMidAtlanticJoin Sunny Sumter as she takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through the lens of her personal experiences and the transformative power of jazz, she explores the concept of finding your 'True North.' Discover how music guided her through life's greatest challenges and taught her to live each day as if it were her last. This talk is a heartfelt ode to the highs and lows of life, the beauty of harmony in chaos, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and authenticity. Sunny Sumter is President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF). DCJF's signature programs include the annual DC JazzFest, the year-round DCJF Education Program, and the Charles Fishman Embassy Series. DCJF is the recipient of the DC Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. Prior to her tenure at the DC Jazz Festival, Sumter held management/director positions with the Aspen Institute, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.Sumter earned her bachelor’s degree in music business from Howard University where she minored in jazz voice. She is a recipient of a Howard University Benny Golson Award, the Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award, a DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship, and a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award. As a professional vocalist, Sumter has performed at festivals, and clubs internationally. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:56A drag queen, her grandmother, and the art of becoming | Opera Tang | TEDxSingaporeWhat does drag have to do with a 93 year old grandmother and an old sewing machine? For Opera Tang, everything. In this moving talk, Opera shares how the unlikeliest ally - her Catholic, Cantonese speaking, 93 year old Grandma- became her fiercest supporter and creative partner.Woven through fabric, language and love, this is a story of intergenerational bond, self discovery and chosen authenticity. It is not always a solo journey and sometimes the deepest support comes from home. Opera Tang is a rising star in Singapore’s drag scene, captivating audiences with performances that blend creativity, self-expression, and tradition. Her 93-year-old grandmother, a cherished presence in her journey, symbolises the deep intergenerational bond that Opera celebrates through her art. Through her work, Opera inspires audiences to embrace their true selves while honouring the connections that shape and enrich our lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:30I Met the Dalai Lama and All I Got Was This Lousy Scarf! | Shep Moyle | TEDxDukeAt the height of his career, Shep Moyle had everything: wealth, status, and a thriving business. Then it all collapsed. In the wreckage, he expected despair. What he found instead was clarity. In this candid talk, he shares how losing his business stripped away the illusions of success and forced him to confront what truly matters in life. Through a meeting with the Dalai Lama—where a raggedy white scarf became an unexpected symbol—he began to understand a different kind of wealth. One not built on profit margins, but on connection and purpose. This is a story about failure, yes, but more so, about finding joy. Shep Moyle is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and innovator who believes in the power of connection and transformation. As a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, he inspires students to explore entrepreneurship, strategy, and the intersection of innovation, happiness and joy.Shep’s entrepreneurial journey began at Shindigz, where he served as CEO and owner for over 30 years, leading the company to global success with over $2 billion in revenue. His earlier work as a brand manager at Frito Lay revolutionized the snack aisle with products like Tostitos Restaurant Style Chips.A lifelong leader, Shep has chaired global organizations like the Young Presidents’ Organization, served on Duke’s Board of Trustees and as President of the Duke Alumni Association, and pursued groundbreaking initiatives at Harvard University. He finds joy in teaching, coaching CEOs worldwide, and empowering others to make a lasting impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
