Presenting ‘The Songs of Birds 鸟之歌’ at the XVI Biennial AILASA Conference at ANU

I am honored to have presented my book, The Songs of Birds 鸟之歌, at the XVI Biennial Conference of the Association of Iberian and Latin American Studies of Australasia (AILASA), held at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. The conference, themed “Transnational Textures,” was a gathering of scholars and enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the interconnectedness of texts across different cultures and historical periods, particularly within the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds.

During the event, which took place from May 29th to 31st, 2024, I had the unique opportunity to share the vision behind my book—a poetic journey inspired by the profound verses of Juan Hernández Ramírez’s Totomej Intlajtol, La Lengua de los Pájaros. My work, which merges Chinese calligraphy, Nahuatl poetry, and ink painting, was well received by an audience deeply engaged in discussions about the transnational and transdisciplinary nature of texts.

The AILASA Conference provided a rich platform for dialogue and exchange, emphasizing the fluidity of boundaries in literature and culture. From the study of ancient manuscripts to contemporary screen texts, the event highlighted how texts travel across linguistic and geographical borders, shaping and reshaping societies in the process. My presentation was particularly aligned with the conference’s focus on “Transindigeneity across multiple languages, lands, and times,” as The Songs of Birds 鸟之歌 is a testament to the resilience and beauty of Indigenous languages and traditions.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the organizers—Dr. Thomas Nulley-Valdés, Dr. Fabricio Tocco, and Associate Professor Robert Mason—for including my work in this significant academic gathering. Additionally, a special thank you to Clandestino Canberra for their invitation and support.

Participating in this conference not only allowed me to showcase my book but also to connect with scholars who are equally passionate about the transformative power of literature and art. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our modern world, I am inspired by the collective commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse textures that define our global society.