A new isiZulu translation of Molly Bloom’s famous soliloquy from James Joyce’s Ulysses has brought the Irish literary classic to South African audiences in a powerful new way. Unveiled during Bloomsday celebrations in Johannesburg, translator Sandile Ngidi’s work highlights how African languages can engage with some of the world’s most challenging literary texts. The multilingual event also underscored literature’s ability to foster dialogue and inclusion at a time of heightened debates over migration and identity. Scholars argue that the translation expands both the readership and interpretation of Ulysses, demonstrating that African languages are active contributors to global literary culture rather than peripheral voices. By reimagining Joyce’s work through isiZulu, the project affirms the language’s expressive richness while encouraging broader conversations about culture, identity, and the universal themes that continue to resonate across societies.
The Conversation