Stories in Translation
Translating stories can also pose challenges for accessing original meaning. Yet it also allows for increased representation and diverse perspectives. We have selected a number of publicly available short stories which pose interesting reflections about colonialism, history, gender norms, intersectionality, and cultural awareness.
Find attached a list of questions for each story to facilitate discussion in a group setting or personal reflection. These worksheets are ideal for use in a classroom setting or your monthly book club.
Beyond the Fog
by Qurratulain Hyder
Translated from Urdu by Muhammad Umar Memon
Themes: Class, Indian Independence, Colonisation, British Empire, Family
A Clean Marriage
by Sayaka Murata
Translated from Japanese by by Ginny Tapley Takemori
Themes: Sex, Family, Partnership, Marriage, Reproduction, Societal Norms
God, It’s as Though You’re Sewing a Dress For a Flea
by God, It’s as Though You’re Sewing a Dress For a Flea
Translated from Arabic by Randa Jarrar
Themes: Marriage, Class, Religion, Language, Ethnicity, Identity
The Neighborhood Phone
by Gabriella Ghermandi
Translated from Italian by Giovanna Bellesia-Contuzzi and by Victoria Offredi Poletto
Themes: Immigration, the idea of ‘home’, community, class, time
A Madman’s Diary
by Lu Xun
Translated from Mandarin by Yang Hsien-yi & Gladys Yang
Themes: illness, tradition & modernity, paranoia, community, diary form
Comparative Discussion
Falling Down Politely, or How to Use Up All Six Bullets Instead of Playing Russian Roulette
by Rasha Abbas
A Bedtime Story for Eid
by Zaher Omareen
Educational Resources
We provide a number of free educational resources – check them out.
Listen to our podcast
Our podcast is perfect for anyone looking for a brief introduction to the British Empire.
Read our blog
Our research blog highlights interesting local histories and other relevant stories related to the topics we cover, including histories of class, race, empire, gender, and historical memory.
Set in Stone Project
Interested in memorialisation in Oxfordshire? We have created a virtual map locating official and informal memorials in Oxford, with a growing list.
Reading lists
Check out the reading lists we have created around our tours and podcast, for further research and information.
Health Histories
Learn more about local health histories through this educational tool developed and designed in collaboration with the Faculty of History at the University of Oxford.
Like-Minded Projects
Other organisations are also doing great work!
Learn about some other like-minded projects.
Local Partners
We work with many institutions and organisations to develop our tours and projects. Check out our partners.
Contact Us
OUR TOURS
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The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour
History of Medicine Tour
Curiosity & Colonialism Tour
Uncomfortable Ashmolean – Museum Tour
Follow the Money Tour
Hidden Histories Tour
Mediaeval Oxford Tour
