Poetry transcends language and borders

Through poetic expression, we can build bridges, ignite conversations, and celebrate the shared humanity that connects all religions and cultures.

Internationally acclaimed Poet Corina Junghiatu

Poet Corina Junghiatu was born on12 April in 1981 in Romania. She is also writer and artist. She holds a master’s degree in Philology and Psychopedology from the University of Bucharest, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Letters and Philosophy. She can speak and write in five foreign languages. Corina has published two books of poetry titled Exile in Light and The Ritual of a Sunrise. Corina has received awards, medals, certificates and recognitions from various literary forums and organizations around the world for her brilliant literary works. She has achieved the “Gujarat Sahitya Academi Award” thrice on the occasion of the 74th, 75th and 76th Independence Day of India. She won the “Order of Shakespeare Medal -2021. She won the SahityaPata Award-2022 on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the national poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam. She is the Global Publishing Coordinator of Motivational Strips Literary Excellence Academy & Wisdom. She is also the Managing Editor of Medium and Creatividad International. She is the Chief Adviser of the “World Nations Writers’ Union,” Kazakhstan.

 Interviewed by Angela Kosta

Welcome, Corina! Your literary career began when you were 12 years old. What inspired you to start writing poetry at such a young age, and how has your love for literature evolved over the years?

My love for literature evolved from a place deep within my heart, nurtured by the kindness of words. When I was 12, I felt an overwhelming need to express the feelings I couldn’t quite explain, and poetry became my refuge. It was like a secret garden where I could plant thoughts and let them bloom into something beautiful, even if no one else could see it. I remember my grandmother, whose wisdom and kindness always embraced me, teaching me that words had a way of healing the soul. When she was sick, I wrote my first poem for her. She used to say that every word spoken with love could change the world, and in my childlike wonder, I believed that. As the years passed, my love for literature only deepened. It grew from a simple means of self-expression into something more profound.

You have an academic background that spans from Philology to Psychopedagogy. How have these fields influenced your approach to writing and literary criticism?

My academic journey has profoundly shaped my approach to writing and literary criticism, weaving together both the structural and emotional aspects of language. Philology, with its deep exploration of language, literature, and the history of texts, has given me a profound respect for the nuances of words, syntax, and literary traditions. It has made me acutely aware of the power that language holds, not just as a tool for communication, but as a vessel of cultural and historical significance. This understanding allows me to approach writing with both an analytical eye and a heart that seeks to uncover deeper meanings beneath the surface.

Psychopedagogy, on the other hand, has added a layer of empathy and insight into the psychological and emotional dimensions of both writing and literary critique. It has taught me to view literature not only as an aesthetic creation but also as a tool for learning, growth, and healing. The study of human development and educational psychology has given me the sensitivity to understand how literature can affect the reader’s mind, emotions, and even their life journey.

Being bilingual and fluent in five languages, how do you think your knowledge of different languages and cultures affects your poetic work and worldview?

Well, this has enriched both my poetic work and my worldview in ways I could never have imagined. Each language I speak opens a unique window into different cultures, philosophies, and ways of thinking. Romanian is my native language, while English and French I studied in school. Italian, I learned during the years I lived in Italy, and Arabic was a language I started learning when I taught at a Syrian school in Bucharest. It soon became a passion of mine, and my travels to Arabic-speaking countries further deepened my understanding. So, It’s as if I hold multiple keys to various worlds, each one offering a distinct perspective on life, art, and the human experience. In short, my multilingualism has expanded the boundaries of my creative expression and deepened my ability to connect with others in ways that transcend simple communication. It’s a gift that continues to shape my poetry and my view of the world in the most profound ways.

Your poetry collections “Exile in the Light” and “The Ritual of a Sunrise” have been highly praised. What is the main message you hope to convey to readers through these works?

“Exile in the Light” is my first book, containing poems written between the ages of 12 and 25. Since then, I have evolved greatly and no longer resonate with those poems, but it remains, nonetheless, my soul’s book. In my second book and the upcoming ones, I hope the message will be one of growth, transformation, and the power of resilience. I want to convey the journey of self-discovery and the strength found in embracing change. I already have materials for three more books, but in recent years, I have been fighting cancer. I write daily as a form of therapy for the soul, but I haven’t yet found the strength to publish these books.

As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the “Verseum” Literary Journal and the “Verseum Literary Forum”, what goals have you achieved and what would you like to achieve in the future? How do you think these spaces have contributed to the promotion of poetry on a global scale?

As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “Verseum Literary Journal” and the “Verseum Literary Forum”, I am proud to have built platforms that foster global literary dialogue, highlight diverse voices, and promote poetry in its many forms. We’ve achieved significant milestones, including publishing poets from various cultures and providing an avenue for fresh, impactful works. Moving forward, I aim to expand our reach and collaborate with international literary communities. These spaces have contributed to the global promotion of poetry by creating inclusive, cross-cultural connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

You have received several prestigious recognitions, such as the “Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Award” and the “Order of Shakespeare Medal”. How do you feel about these accolades, and how do they influence your journey as an author?

Yes, fills my heart with deep gratitude and humbles me profoundly, yet the most treasured accolade I hold close is the happiness I feel when someone shares that my words have taught them something or evoked positive emotions within them. The true honor lies in knowing that my poems have touched hearts, sparked thoughts, and brought solace or inspiration. For me, that connection with readers, that gentle impact on their souls, is the most beautiful recognition of all.

You are also a key figure in “Motivational Strips”, the world’s most active writers’ forum. How do you view the importance of online communities for writers, and how do they contribute to the development of contemporary literature?

In this digital age, online communities like Motivational Strips are vital in uniting writers across the globe. They nurture collaboration, amplify diverse voices, and offer a space for meaningful dialogue. These platforms foster growth, making contemporary literature more inclusive, accessible, and attuned to the ever-evolving currents of our world.

As an editor and promoter, what do you think poetry can contribute to promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue between different religions and cultures?

Poetry, in its purest form, transcends language and borders, allowing us to embrace the beauty of diverse cultures and beliefs. It opens hearts and minds, fostering empathy and understanding. Through poetic expression, we can build bridges, ignite conversations, and celebrate the shared humanity that connects all religions and cultures.

You have actively participated in global poetry festivals and cultural events. Which of these experiences has most influenced or inspired you as a poet and as a person?

Each global poetry festival and cultural event I’ve participated in has been an enriching experience, and I’ve had the privilege of organizing a few alongside poet and Editor Trandafir Simpetru. These collaborative efforts have not only expanded my horizons but also strengthened my belief in poetry’s power to connect and inspire across cultures.

About the future, what are your literary and professional projects? What do you hope to achieve in the coming years, and how do you envision the evolution of your writing?

Looking ahead, I aspire to broaden my literary journey by exploring new creative paths. I’m considering establishing a radio station, television channel, and publishing house to create a wider platform for promoting literature and art. I will take each step with care and commitment, while nurturing my growth as a writer and embracing fresh challenges and opportunities.

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences in this interview. Thank you for the thoughtful questions and for providing a platform to connect and engage with others.

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Angela Kosta is an Executive Director of the Magazines: MIRIADE, NUANCES ON THE PANORAMIC CANVAS, BRIDGES OF LITERATURE, journalist, poet, essayist, publisher, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter