Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Partners: DC Public Library, Weatherhead East Asian Institute
Summary
Vietnam Society, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, and Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute presented a rich and thought-provoking afternoon devoted to The Tale of Kiều, the beloved Vietnamese literary classic newly translated by Bình Nguyễn. Guided by moderator Thuý Đinh, the discussion brought translators and scholars together to explore Kiều’s cultural, linguistic, and emotional resonance across generations.
The conversation between Bình Nguyễn and Vinh Quốc Nguyễn delved into the complexities of translating Nguyễn Du’s 3,254-line poem, examining how different interpretations have shaped the poem’s place in both Vietnamese and diasporic consciousness. Drawing from academic work and more irreverent, contemporary translations, the speakers reflected on Kiều’s lasting relevance in Vietnam and abroad, where the story continues to inspire artists, scholars, and young readers alike.
Bình Nguyễn discussed his 2025 English translation as a corrective reading that restores the text’s depth, humor, and sharp social commentary. He examined how Nguyễn Du transformed a formulaic Chinese novel into a vivid portrait of Vietnamese culture, one that resonates with experiences of migration, gender, artistry, and moral complexity. Attendees engaged with lively dialogue and had the opportunity to purchase books following the event.
