Ukrainian classical literature is not just a collection of texts; it is a profound matrix of our national identity. However, the true dimension of intercultural dialogue opens up when literary masterpieces cross the boundaries of other linguistic cultures. We at the NGO “Center for Social Transformations ‘TENET'” are pleased to share striking news from the cultural front: for the first time in history, Ivan Kotliarevskyi’s “Eneida” and Lina Kostenko’s “Marusia Churai” have been translated and published in the Romani language.
This unique educational project, implemented by the International Roma Non-Governmental Organization “KETANE” with the support of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), has become a qualitatively new step in building the unity of Ukrainian society. A print run of 1,000 copies will be distributed free of charge among public libraries, educational centers, and Roma community hubs.
Between Baroque Humor and Philosophical Depth
Translating classics of this level required linguistic filigree and a deep understanding of ethnolinguistic specifics from the project authors, Yurii Ivanenko and Mykola Ilin.
“A serious translation always begins with respect,” says Yurii Ivanenko. “If you don’t feel Lina Vasylivna’s rhythm, it’s better not even to open the book. The biggest difficulty lies in the fact that the Romani language is objectively smaller than Ukrainian in terms of its academic vocabulary. Therefore, our task was not just to make a literal translation, but to find profound conceptual equivalents.”
On the other hand, working with “Eneida” had a different character.
“Kotliarevskyi is just sheer Romani temperament!” notes Mykola Ilin. “His Eneas is a bit of a Cossack, a bit of a traveler who is constantly looking for his path and never loses optimism even in the most difficult situations. Here we had to add a bit of Romani flavor and humor, but, of course, within the boundaries of strict literary taste.”
The Servitka Dialect as a Cultural Bridge
The work was carried out using the Servitka dialect — the linguistic code of Ukrainian Roma (Servi).
“It has a unique structure: on the one hand, the ancient Indian lexical layer and traditional Romani grammar are preserved; on the other hand, it has naturally been enriched with Ukrainian syntactic structures,” explains Yurii Ivanenko. “This made it an ideal bridge for translating Ukrainian poetry.”
To convey Lina Kostenko’s complex Ukrainian metaphors, the authors relied on the emotional imagery of the Romani language.
“It was a true academic jewelry work,” admits Mykola Ilin. “What is conveyed in Ukrainian by one complex scientific or literary term is described in Romani through a vivid image. In our translation, Marusia Churai speaks in a way that touches the heart of any Roma, while fully preserving the idea and greatness of Lina Kostenko’s original text.”
“You know, the Roma have a saying: ‘You can tell what kind of heart a person has by their song.’ For us, Marusia Churai is the personification of the song itself,” adds Yurii Ivanenko.
This initiative is striking proof that the Romani language is a full-fledged language of high culture. As the project authors summarize: “This is our contribution to the common Ukrainian victory on the cultural front, where every community adds its unique voice to the overall sounding of Ukraine.”
