At this inaugural session opening for the festival on the first day, the panel asks a pertinent question: What is world literature?
‘’World literature” is a notoriously loaded term, which will be dissected and discussed by the likes of Eliot Weinberger with Pankaj Mishra from India and our very own Kazi Anis Ahmed – who will be answering the question: Just what is world literature?
In their attempt to find a modern definition of “world literature”, they will consider how the idea has changed over time, how it differs in different regions, and how any definition betrays the cultural attitudes of those using it.
Talking to us ahead of the event, Kazi Anis Ahmed, author of “Goodbye Mr. Kissinger” said: “At this critical juncture in east-west relations we want to consider not just what world literature means here in Dhaka, but also in the eyes of the west.”
For many years the term was used almost exclusively to describe the circulation of European literature outside Europe. That has changed with the mass translation of literary works from around the world into countless languages; the artistic success of which may be debated.
Joining him with their take on the theme are Pankaj Mishra, author of “The Romantics”, “From the Ruins of Empire”, and the American author Eliot Weinberger, whose works include “What I Heard About Iraq” and translations of Octavio Paz’s “In Light of India”.
Don’t miss them on the Main Stage today from 11am.