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“Be Like the Sky” by Dashbalbar Ochirbat(English translation)

  Introduction to the Poet Ochirbatyn Dashbalbar (Очирбатын Дашбалбар, 1957–1999) was a Mongolian poet and politician who emerged during a period of deep social and political transformation. Born in the Naran district of Sükhbaatar aimag, he nurtured an early passion for literature and eventually studied at the Maxim Gorky Literature Institute in Moscow. Dashbalbar’s poetry, shaped by traditional Mongolian values and a reverence for nature, often carries spiritual, philosophical, and nationalist undertones. In the turbulent years after the fall of socialism, he became involved in politics, championing cultural identity, integrity, and resistance against corruption. His works, once banned or contested, now stand as symbols of honesty and moral fortitude. “Be Like the Sky” (Тэнгэр шиг бай) is among his most emblematic poems, urging readers to remain unwavering, compassionate, and humble amidst life’s adversities. This poem draws from Mongolian spiritual cosmology, especially the noti...
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Translating Mongolian-to-English: My thoughts on AI

  Introduction As someone deeply passionate about cultural exchange and linguistic preservation, I’ve dedicated quite some time to translating Mongolian literature—particularly poetry—into English. Mongolian poetry is rich in metaphor, rhythm, and philosophical reflection, often reflecting the nomadic spirit and historical resilience of its people. Translating such works is no simple task; it demands a nuanced understanding of language, culture, and context. Recently, I’ve incorporated generative LLM tools, such as ChatGPT, into my translation workflow, using them as powerful aids for generating initial drafts and exploring linguistic possibilities. The journey of translating Mongolian poetry is as much about adapting the message as it is about preserving the integrity of its cultural and philosophical depth. Here, I’ll share my translation process, delve into how generative AI models function in the realm of language, and explore the future of AI in literary translation. How ...
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“Happiness and Suffering” by Choinom Renchin (English Translation)

  “Happiness and Suffering” by  Choinom Renchin (English Translation) Tavilan Tumur 12 Dec 2024   —  17 min read. Introduction to the Poet  Choinom Renchin (Ренчингийн Чойном, 1936–1978) is a name that resonates deeply in the hearts of Mongolians. Born in Darkhan Sum, Khentii Province, his life spanned a time of deep political repression under Mongolia’s communist regime. Graduating from the literature department of the National University of Mongolia, Choinom embarked on a literary career that was both prolific and controversial. He rejected the sanitized, state-approved glorifications of socialism, choosing instead to write honestly about love, humanity, and the struggles of everyday life. His refusal to adhere to official dictates drew the ire of the authorities. Choinom was accused of “neglecting Socialist achievements” and imprisoned for his work. His poetry was banned, yet it circulated underground, cherished by those who hungered for fearless authenticity...
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