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When a work is translated into another language, not only the words change. It finds itself within a new culture, encountering a different readership, a different system of images, and a different set of literary associations. The text's future fate largely depends on how accurately the translator captures the author.This is particularly evident in the example of Abai. Today, his poetry and "Words of Edification" have been translated into many languages, becoming the subject of research and entering the international literary dialogue. But as interest grows, another question arises: can translations preserve the philosophical depth, artistic tone, and national character of the original?Qazaq Culture spoke with Svetlana Ananyeva, Head of the World Literature and International Relations Department at the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art and a member of the Board of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan, about how Abai's legacy is perceived abroad, which translations have proven particularly significant, and what is needed for Kazakh literature to fully participate in the global literary process. Looking at recent years through the prism of international literary relations, how has the perception of Abai changed abroad?The legacy of Abai Kunanbayev is now actively engaged in intercultural dialogue. His works have been translated into many languages, and researchers in various countries are showing interest in his work.Attention to Abai's legacy at the national level is of great importance. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has consistently spoken about the need for its widespread popularization. In this sense, Abai is becoming an important cultural asset for the country.At the same time, foreign readers are primarily drawn to the themes that the poet himself placed at the center of his work: good and evil, dignity and honor, justice and humanity, knowledge, morality, human and earthly existence.Abai sought to combine the best of various cultural traditions. Therefore, in his works, readers from other countries can find both national distinctiveness and universality. Perhaps this explains why translators in Europe and the East are once again turning to both his poetry and the "Words of Edification."– But can Abai truly resonate equally fully in another language? To what extent does everything depend on the translator?– Literary translation is always very complex. Ideally, a translator should introduce their cultural environment not simply to the content of the work, but to the author's original artistic world.The history of Abai's translations includes examples of very serious and thoughtful work.His poetry was translated into German thanks to Leonard Kossuth, a writer, publisher, and great friend of Kazakh literature. Gerold Belger, who advised him during the translation process, noted that Kossuth was able to capture Abai's characteristically confidential, questioning and affirmative intonation.Belger wrote that in Kossuth, Abai found an attentive and sensitive interpreter. The result is a unique "German Abai"—with his philosophical, thoughtful, and recognizable rhythm of thought.The Korean experience is no less interesting. Thanks to the translations of the poet Kim Byung-hak, Abai's works became accessible to a Korean audience. Professors at Korean universities, having become acquainted with his work, compared Abai to Confucius.In his book "Abai: Songs of the Golden Yurt," Kim Byung-hak sought to convey the beauty, wisdom, and philosophy of his work to Korean readers.All this demonstrates how much depends on the translator's personality and their ability to hear not only the words but also the inner music of the text.—Today, "Words of Edification" has been translated into dozens of languages. How important is the scale of translations?— "Words of Edification" has indeed been published in 35 languages. New translations have appeared in Ukrainian, Slovak, Czech, and other languages.This is an important process, because each new translation expands Abai's reach.But it's important to understand that Abai's work is multidimensional. It cannot be reduced to isolated aphorisms or moral formulas.As Academician Kenzhekhan Matyzhanov notes, one of Abai's eternal themes is human spiritual development. It is from this perspective that his legacy must be approached.This is a particularly challenging task for a translator. It is necessary to convey not only the content, but also the philosophical ambiguity, rhythm, intonation, and national foundation of the work.– Can the already established interest in Abai help foreign readers discover other Kazakh authors?– Yes, because it is the classics that largely define the overall framework.President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrote in his article "Abai and Kazakhstan in the 21st Century": "The higher we represent Abai in world culture, the greater the honor of our nation."But the international representation of Kazakh literature, of course, should not be limited to just one name. Our Institute, in collaboration with Columbia University in the United States, prepared and published anthologies of Kazakh literature: "The Stories of the Great Steppe" and "Summer Evening, Prairie Night, Land of Golden Wheat."These publications feature both classics of Kazakh literature and contemporary authors. It is particularly important that the anthologies are included in the curriculum at a number of American universities.This allows international readers to explore not just one work or one figure, but a broader picture of the Kazakh literary tradition.Reader co-creation and the reader's own cultural perspective play a significant role here. After all, readers perceive any foreign text through their own cultural experience.This is precisely why new translations, new interpretations, and contemporary forms of literary communication are so important.– What is needed for Kazakh literature to be represented internationally not just as individual books, but as a full-fledged literary tradition?– A comprehensive set of mechanisms is needed here. International literary ties have a long history, but their role is particularly significant today. The modern global literary process is unimaginable without the translation of national literatures, international contacts, joint publishing projects, and cultural interaction.Therefore, sustainable translation programs, collaboration with publishing houses, universities, research centers, literary associations, and international platforms are essential.The Abai Centers for Kazakh Literature and Culture, established in national libraries and major universities across the world, are also of great importance. They help introduce researchers, critics, students, and readers to our literary heritage and draw attention to literary translation as a bridge between cultures.Belarus is a good example. In recent years, Abai's works have appeared there in translations by Belarusian State Prize laureate Mykola Metlitsky. Mukhtar Auezov's epic novel "The Path of Abai" has also been translated into Belarusian by poet and translator Mikhail Pozdnyakov. An international roundtable discussion, "Fiction as a Path to Reciprocity," is being held in Minsk as part of Belarusian Literature Day. The title itself aptly conveys the essence of this work.Literary translation remains one of the most important means of mutual enrichment of national cultures and literatures.And here, a systematic approach is especially important. International presence is built through translations, publishing projects, academic contacts, cultural centers, the activities of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh PEN Club, and other forms of professional interaction.The global literary process is unimaginable without a dialogue of cultures. And Kazakh literature—both its classic texts and the works of contemporary authors—must be a full part of this dialogue.