In this interview novelist Soamiely Andriamananjara tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative for #MadagascarLitMonth about his collection of short stories “Rough Draft”, why did he write them, how long did it take to write these short stories, surprises he came across while writing them and his favourite Malagasy writers. … Continue reading #MadagascarLitMonth: Soamiely Andriamananjara interviewed by Abhay K.
Hainteny: Traditional Poetry of Madagascar
Hainteny is the traditional poetry of Madagascar. Hainteny means ‘knowledge of words’ in Malagasy language. It is part of traditional oral literature of Madagascar, which is mostly in the form of a dialogue between a female and a male, and strongly reminds me of poems of Tamil Sangam literature and Gatha Saptasati of India. Leonard … Continue reading Hainteny: Traditional Poetry of Madagascar
#MadagascarLitMonth: Johary Ravaloson interviewed by Abhay K.
In this interview, novelist Johary Ravaloson tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative for #MadagascarLitMonth about his novel Return to the Enchanted Island, translated into English by Allison M. Charette, why did he write the book, how long did it take to write it, surprises he came across while writing … Continue reading #MadagascarLitMonth: Johary Ravaloson interviewed by Abhay K.
#MadagascarLitMonth: From Sorabe script to Latin script
A Journey of Malagasy Script by Mose Njo First of all, let’s go back to 1817, more than 200 years ago. Something happened on the 26th of March. And that sealed the fate of the Malagasy language, therefore the Madagascan literature, at least for the next two centuries and counting. That year, Radama, the King … Continue reading #MadagascarLitMonth: From Sorabe script to Latin script
Kabary: Traditional Malagasy Speech
Kabary is a highly stylized form of speech delivered in a loud voice in a public gathering which has been a vital part of Malagasy culture for centuries. The Malagasy word 'Kabary' comes from the Arab word 'Kabar' which means a way of thinking. It has to be accompanied by proverbs (Ohabolana) and sayings so … Continue reading Kabary: Traditional Malagasy Speech
Naivo, the first Malagasy novelist published in English, interviewed by Abhay K.
In this interview writer Naivo tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative's #MadagascarLitMonth about his book Beyond the Rice Fields, the first Malagasy novel ever translated into English. why he wrote the book, what were his challenges in writing it, and his favourite Malagasy writers. Beyond the Rice Fields, by … Continue reading Naivo, the first Malagasy novelist published in English, interviewed by Abhay K.
Ohabolana: Malagasy Proverbs
Ohabolana or Malagasy proverbs show the wit and wisdom of the Malagasy people distilled from the rich experience of living. There are hundreds of Malagasy proverbs and sayings. I have selected a few which impressed me the most. Hope you too will find these proverbs enlightening and imbibe the wisdom they offer to live better … Continue reading Ohabolana: Malagasy Proverbs
Allison M. Charette interviewed by Abhay K.
In this interview translator Allison M. Charette tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative for #MadagascarLitMonth about the books of Malagasy authors she has translated so far, why did she choose to translate them, challenges in translating the books and her future translation projects. Abhay K.- Tell us about the … Continue reading Allison M. Charette interviewed by Abhay K.
Introduction to The Magic of Madagascar
La Magie de Madagascar | The Magic of Madagascar by Abhay K. Bilingual edition, Translated into French by Prof. Madhuri Mukherjee and Katia Novet Saint-Lôt, Éditions L’Harmattan, Paris, 2021, Pages. 144 White Sifakas | Photo: Abhay K. The Magic of Madagascar -Abhay K. Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island (after Greenland, New Guinea and … Continue reading Introduction to The Magic of Madagascar
Poet-diplomat Abhay K. celebrates #MadagascarLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative is thrilled to welcome an exciting guest editor for December 2021, Abhay K., who is a poet and diplomat in the tradition of Pablo Neruda and Octavia Paz. With only 12 possible spots available throughout the year, Ambassador Abhay K.’s selection as a guest editor for Global Literature in Libraries … Continue reading Poet-diplomat Abhay K. celebrates #MadagascarLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative