Poetry as an art form may predate literacy.[4] Many ancient works, from the IndianVedas (1700–1200 BC) and Zoroaster's Gathas (1200-900 BC) to the Odyssey (800–675 BC), appear to have been composed in poetic form to aid memorization and oral transmission, in prehistoric and ancient societies.[5] Poetry appears among the earliest records of most literate cultures, with poetic fragments found on early monoliths, runestones and stelae.
Book Brings Form of Vietnamese Poetry to Western World for First Time
John Balaban continues his quest to preserve Vietnam’s literary heritage in his latest work of translated poetry.
Balaban, poet in residence and professor of
English at North Carolina State University, has translated a series of poems for his new book "Ca Dao Viet Nam: Vietnamese Folk Poetry," which was recently released by Copper Canyon Press. The book marks the first time Vietnamese ca dao poems have been collected and translated into any Western language.