In the thought-provoking novel, Death Takes Me, Cristina Rivera Garza explores the complex relationship between language, violence, and power. By examining the gendered nature of language and urban space, she sheds light on the ways in which these factors contribute to violence against women.
Cristina Rivera Garza’s newly translated novel, Death Takes Me, is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between language, violence, and power.
The novel, originally published in 2007, has been translated into English by Robin Myers and Sarah Booker.
Cristina Rivera Garza is a renowned Mexican writer, poet, and literary critic.
Born in 1964 in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, she has made significant contributions to contemporary Mexican literature.
Her work often explores themes of identity, culture, and social justice.
Rivera Garza's writing style is characterized by its lyricism, depth, and nuance.
She has published numerous poetry collections, novels, and essays, earning her several prestigious awards, including the National Literature Prize in Mexico.
The Power of Language
Rivera Garza joins NPR’s A Martínez on Morning Edition to discuss her novel and the work of translation. When asked about the importance of making all the victims men, Rivera Garza explains that it was a deliberate choice to ‘swap these places‘ and highlight the violence perpetrated against women. She notes that in Spanish, the word for victim is feminine, which reinforces societal tolerance for the suffering of women.
Rivera Garza argues that language has consequences and can shape our understanding of reality. The way we speak and name things can perpetuate or challenge violence. In her novel, she explores the gendered nature of both language and urban space, examining how these factors contribute to violence against women.
Language plays a significant role in shaping human culture.
It influences how people perceive, understand, and interact with their environment.
With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, each language has its unique grammar, syntax, and vocabulary that reflect the cultural identity of its speakers.
Studies have shown that language can affect cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, language barriers can lead to social isolation and exclusion.
Understanding the impact of language on culture is essential for promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding.
The Translation Process
Rivera Garza reflects on the translation process, noting that the context in which she wrote the novel has not changed significantly since its publication in 2007. Violence remains a feature of daily life in Mexico and the Americas, and Rivera Garza believes that this is the moment for the book to be translated into English.
She praises the work of her translators, Robin Myers and Sarah Booker, saying that they have brought new insights to the novel. Rivera Garza also discusses her own experience with bilingualism and how it has influenced her writing process.
A Personal Reflection
Rivera Garza’s personal connection to violence is evident in her novel Liliana’s Invincible Summer, which celebrates the life of her sister who was murdered in 1990. In this book, Rivera Garza documents her sister’s case, reflecting on the relationship between mourning, grieving, and pain.
She notes that writing this book in both English and Spanish at the same time was a deliberate choice to explore the complexities of bilingualism and how it can provide opportunities for expression and freedom.
Bilingual individuals have a cognitive advantage, with enhanced problem-solving skills and improved memory.
Studies show that bilingual children outperform monolingual peers in executive functions, such as multitasking and decision-making.
Additionally, bilingualism has been linked to delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, being bilingual can also boost career opportunities and open up new cultural perspectives.
