Haiku written in indigenous Mayan and Quechua languages: interweaving ecopoetic fabrics

Abstract

This article explores haiku poetry in some native Indo-American languages from an ecopoetic approach. Haiku, a poetic genre of Japanese origin, is currently translated and written in various native languages. This literary exchange presents features that manifest a desire to critically adapt its form and aesthetics and engage in a heartfelt dialogue with classical Japanese poetry since a kinship of sensitivity is perceived. This poetic kinship can be understood from an ecopoetic approach as an affective dialogue between human beings and nature. In particular, haikus written by authors in the Mayan and Quechua languages are presented and commented on.