Languages and Ideas: Wonderland Wednesday

Hear a fascinating talk by Tom Roa, author of a much-admired translation of 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' into te reo Māori. You can also visit the Wonderland exhibition without the crowds, and enjoy refreshments after the talk.

Tom reveals the challenges of translating ideas from one culture to another – and the particularly knotty problems arising from Lewis Carroll’s unique language and poetry. Despite the challenges, this children’s classic has been translated into 174 languages!

Tom’s exploration also looks at the power of language to shape identities and ideas of representation.

Programme:
5–6pm: Free entry to Wonderland
6–6:15pm: Settle in at Te Marae with a welcome drink & canape
6:15–7:15pm: Talk
7:15–8pm: Relax, chat, and enjoy refreshments from the cash bar.

About the speaker:
Tom Roa is an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. His Doctorate investigated the role of semantic relationships in translation in the English-Maori context, with discussion of his translation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland featuring prominently.

Wonderland Wednesdays
This talk is part of the Wonderland Wednesdays series connecting the Wonderland exhibition to four topics: animation, language, mental health, and feminism and creativity. All talks are at Te Marae in the evening and include free exhibition entry, themed canape, and welcome drink. Cash bar available throughout the night.