Ep75. In Conversation With Dr. Aria Fani (گفت و شنود با دکتر آریا فانی)
Note: Please note that while the introduction is in Farsi, our deep-dive conversation with Dr. Fani unfolds in English.
Welcome to an another episode of the Jaad-e Maiwand Podcast where we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Aria Fani, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and a pivotal voice in modern Persian literature and social advocacy. Our conversation today centers around Dr. Fani's groundbreaking 2022 article, "Disciplining Persian Literature in Twentieth-century Afghanistan," published in the esteemed Journal of Iranian Studies.
Dr. Fani is more than an academic; he is a change-maker. Beyond his research, he serves as the Deputy Editor for the Journal of Iranian Studies and manages the Mo Habib Translation Prize in Persian Literature. He also commits his time to advocate for non-citizen Americans, particularly asylum seekers from Central America, adding a unique dimension to his research and pedagogy.
A forthcoming author, Dr. Fani is on the verge of publishing his book "Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism," anticipated to be a landmark contribution to the field. In the academic year 2023-24, he will co-direct the Translation Studies Hub, laying the groundwork for an advanced certificate in translation studies. Dr. Fani’s course offerings for the year include NEAR E 292: Politics and Poetics of Translation (Winter 2024) and Persian 456: Sufi Thought and Expression (Spring 2024).
We took a deep-dive into the evolving landscapes of Persian literature, the politics of translation, and the intersectionality of academic and social advocacy. Whether you're a scholar, a student, or just curious, this dialogue offers enriching perspectives that challenge the norm.
I hope this conversation resonates with you, and look forward to bringing you more such engaging discussions with leading scholars in the future.
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Resources related to this Episode:
- Dr. Aria Fani's personal website: https://ariafani.com
- University of Washington: https://melc.washington.edu/people/aria-fani
- Article: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/iranian-studies/article/disciplining-persian-literature-in-twentiethcentury-afghanistan/D5ACBFD32CF14DFD8E940BE91AFB87DB
- Dr. Fani's email: ariafani@uw.edu
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