A Belarusian-Spanish translator, writer, and activist who promoted cultural exchange and understanding between Eastern Europe and the Spanish-speaking world through their work. They are most known for their literary translations and advocacy for minority languages.
Carlos Sherman is renowned for being a prolific translator, writer, and human rights activist who bridged the cultural gap between Belarus and Spain. He is best known for his remarkable translations of Belarusian and Spanish literature, which facilitated a deeper understanding between the two cultures.
Born on October 25, 1934, in Montevideo, Uruguay, to a Belarusian father and a Native American mother, Carlos Sherman's multicultural upbringing laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. He pursued his passion for philology at the Universidad de Morn in Buenos Aires from 1951 to 1956, where he began his writing career and forged a lifelong friendship with the legendary poet Pablo Neruda.
In 1955, Sherman became the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Mi Pueblo, showcasing his exceptional writing skills. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1956 when his father, influenced by Soviet propaganda, decided to return to Belarus, then part of the USSR, taking the entire family with him. Sherman initially worked in a factory and later as a translator and librarian chief at the Jakub Kolas library of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
From 1980 onwards, Sherman dedicated himself exclusively to literary work, translating the works of prominent Belarusian writers like Jakub Kolas, Janka Kupala, Ryhor Baradulin, and Vasil Bykau into Spanish. Conversely, he translated the works of Spanish literary giants like García Lorca and Neruda into Belarusian and Russian, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Sherman's passion for literature and human rights led him to launch a campaign to establish a Belarusian Centre of the International PEN organization in the late 1980s. He served as its vice-president until 2002, when he was forced to retire due to ill health.
Carlos Sherman's tireless efforts to promote intellectual cooperation and understanding among writers have left an indelible mark on the literary world. He received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the honorary vice-president of the Belarusian PEN Center.
Though Sherman passed away on March 4, 2005, at the age of 71, his literary legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, translators, and human rights activists. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of literature in bridging cultural divides and promoting global understanding.
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