Tawada Yoko: On Writing and Rewriting

Tawada Yōko is a significant contemporary international writer who writes and presents in German and Japanese. Her writing explores the boundaries between languages, identities, nationalities, and genders, featuring characters who are often foreigners and outsiders. This collection of essays examines the complex international themes found in Tawada's works, augmenting the first edited volume of her work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Yōko Tawada, a Japanese-born writer residing in Germany, is widely recognized as one of the most significant contemporary international writers. With an extensive literary portfolio comprising over fifty volumes, her work spans both German and Japanese languages. Tawada's writing delves into the intricate intersections of borders, encompassing language, identity, nationality, and gender. Her characters, often portrayed as foreigners and outsiders, find themselves in surreal and transitional spaces, oscillating between language and culture, species, subjectivities, and identities. They navigate the spaces between gendered and national identities, teetering between reality and the surreal, sometimes slipping into the realm of madness. Tawada's profound insights into the complexities of traveling and living in the contemporary world have consistently driven her fascination with passports and border issues.

This current volume, a sequel to the first edited collection of Tawada's work, Yōko Tawada: Voices from Everywhere, published by Lexington Books in 2007, aims to expand and enhance the English-language coverage of her writing. While there has been a growing scholarly interest in Tawada's artistic endeavors, it is timely to undertake more sustained critical examinations of her extensive output. The collection herein gathers and analyzes essays that explore the intricate international themes prevalent in many of Tawada's works.

In her writing, Tawada challenges the boundaries between languages, cultures, and species, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Her characters, often alienated and marginalized, navigate the complexities of identity and belonging, seeking solace and understanding in the liminal spaces between different worlds. Through her meticulous exploration of borders, Tawada sheds light on the human condition, exploring themes of displacement, isolation, and the search for a sense of home in a rapidly changing global landscape.

One of Tawada's most notable contributions lies in her exploration of the relationship between language and culture. She deftly weaves together German and Japanese languages, creating a unique literary style that reflects the cultural nuances and complexities of her dual heritage. Tawada's writing is characterized by its poetic and evocative language, which evokes a sense of wonder and awe at the world around us. Her characters, often lost in translation or struggling to communicate across cultural barriers, become symbols of the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural exchange.

Tawada's work also delves into the realm of science fiction and fantasy, employing these genres to explore the boundaries of human imagination and the potential consequences of technological advancements. Her stories often feature surreal and dystopian landscapes, where characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the impact of their choices on the world around them. Through her imaginative narratives, Tawada challenges the notion of progress and the costs associated with it, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

In addition to her literary achievements, Tawada has also been actively involved in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding. She has served as a visiting professor at various universities and literary festivals, engaging with students and audiences from diverse backgrounds. Tawada's work has been translated into numerous languages, allowing her message to reach a global audience and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

In conclusion, Yōko Tawada is a visionary writer whose work transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. Through her intricate exploration of borders, identity, and the human condition, she has created a rich and provocative literary legacy that continues to inspire and challenge readers worldwide. This collection of essays provides a valuable insight into the complex international themes found in Tawada's writing, highlighting her profound contribution to contemporary literature.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 153 x 231 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498590068