In this interview, Adibeh Abdo-Attia speaks with Tina Giannoukos about writing poetry in Syriac and Arabic and the relationship between language, poetry and faith. She discusses spiritual and erotic love in her poetry and the importance of maintaining her connection to both languages. She also reads her poetry in Syriac and Arabic, with English translations.

Adibeh Abdo-Attia is a poet and writer whose work in Syriac and Arabic has also been translated into English. Her poetry engages deeply with faith and with love, both spiritual and erotic.

She migrated to Australia from Syria and has maintained strong connections with both Arabic and Syriac, important aspects of her linguistic and cultural heritage. Alongside her poetry, she has a longstanding commitment to multiculturalism and human rights and has been active in community advocacy, cultural education, radio broadcasting and publishing.

She has been writing and publishing poetry for many years. Her poetry has been included in the curriculum of the College of Languages at the University of Baghdad, and she is a founder of the Syriac Literature & Arts Association. She also operates her own e-publishing website.

Her collection Silence of the Moon (2015) was translated into English by George Salib and Gabriella Goerges, while Catch the Whispers (2015) was translated into English by Gad Ben-Meir.

Produced & Presented by Tina Giannoukos