Talk: Why Russian is the Best Language for Poetry

What is so special about Russian poetry? Surely the basic elements of language are the same in all literary cultures? In this talk, Andrew Jameson discusses the various special features of Russian: its sound system, its multiplicity of word endings, the wealth and variety of world-building elements, and finally its freedom of word order which makes Russian a uniquely flexible medium for the creation of poetry. The talk will be richly illustrated with bizarre and fascinating examples, and a handout provided. A knowledge of Russian and / or linguistics is helpful if attending this talk.

Andrew Jameson taught Russian language and culture at Portsmouth and Lancaster universities and organized many popular residential courses for adults at Knuston Hall, Alston Hall, Essex, UEA, and Lancaster. His particular interests are the Russian avant-garde in its various manifestations and the cultural history of the Russian language. Since retirement, he has often lectured in St Petersburg, Moscow, and Khabarovsk. He now works as a professional translator.