Barber van de Pol, born in Veenendaal, the Netherlands, in 1944. M.A. from the University of Amsterdam. Teacher at the University of Groningen and the Schrijversvakschool (Amsterdam Writers’ School).
Translator-in-Residence (1 February 2010 – 30 June 2010)
TRANSLATION OF JORGE LUIS BORGES’ POETRY INTO DUTCH
It is interesting for a non scientist to notice the differences in approach between a scientist and an essayist, like myself. The scientist has to stick to a method; I freely search for adventures of the mind. Part of the discussions with other fellows was about this.
Some gave me very good advice while I was working on a new book of essay on singing, but my major project at NIAS was the translation of the poetry of the Argentine writer Borges: 500 poems. In constant dialogue with co-translator Maarten Steenmeijer and publisher/friend Wil Hansen I made a lot of progress. The bulk has been done. Translation was part of the game as well during eight, nine poetry soirées at NIAS.
The personal and intellectual quality of the group made it an altogether useful and pleasant stay. The librarians, who delivered the huge amount of books I wanted to consult, were of enormous support.