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Gregory Rabassa, a renowned translator of Latin American literary masterworks, has passed away at the age of 94. The news of his death was confirmed by the Washington Post on December 24, 2023. While the cause of his death remains unknown, Rabassa leaves behind a profound legacy in the world of literature.
Born on March 9, 1922, in Yonkers, New York, Gregory Rabassa grew up in a multicultural household. His father was a Colombian immigrant, which exposed Rabassa to the Spanish language and Latin American culture from an early age. This early exposure sparked his interest in languages and set the foundation for his future career as a translator.
Rabassa’s passion for languages led him to study Romance languages at Dartmouth College, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree. He continued his studies at Columbia University, earning a Master’s degree in Romance languages and literature. After completing his education, Rabassa served in the United States Army during World War II, where he honed his language skills as an interpreter.
In 1966, Rabassa’s career took a significant turn when he was asked to translate Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece, “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” This project marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Rabassa and Latin American literature. His translation of Márquez’s work received critical acclaim and introduced English-speaking readers to the magical realism genre, which had a profound impact on literature as a whole.
Throughout his career, Rabassa translated numerous Latin American authors, including Julio Cortázar, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Jorge Amado. His translations were praised for their accuracy, capturing the essence and cultural nuances of the original works. Rabassa’s ability to bridge the gap between languages allowed readers around the world to experience the richness and diversity of Latin American literature.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the literary world, Rabassa received numerous awards and honors. In 2006, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by the President of the United States for his excellence in translation. Rabassa’s translations continue to be celebrated for their artistic merit and their role in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The death of Gregory Rabassa is a great loss to the literary community. His translations have become essential reading for anyone interested in Latin American literature, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. As readers and scholars reflect on his remarkable career, they will remember Rabassa as a masterful translator who brought the beauty of Latin American literature to a global audience.
While we may never know the cause of Rabassa’s death, his impact on the literary world is undeniable. His translations have opened doors to new worlds and have inspired countless readers and writers alike. As we mourn his passing, we can take solace in the fact that his work will live on, continuing to enchant and enlighten readers for years to come. Gregory Rabassa’s legacy as a translator and his dedication to promoting cultural exchange will forever be remembered..
Gregory Rabassa, translator of Latin American literary masterworks, dies at 94 – Washington Post https://t.co/CyZghssKnL
— SpeakThru (@SpeakThru) December 24, 2023
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-------------- -------------@SpeakThru said Gregory Rabassa, translator of Latin American literary masterworks, dies at 94
