El Apellido Nicolas Guillen English Translation !link! -
The title frames the central conflict of the poem: the poet's search for his authentic, stolen African family name. Notable English Translations
Here, the English translation must maintain the specific names of the African nations and tribes to preserve the historical specificity of the transatlantic slave trade. The Linguistic Rhythm: Mestizaje and Son Poetry
Guillén confronts the reality that his last name—Guillén—is Spanish, inherited from the European colonizers who enslaved his ancestors. el apellido nicolas guillen english translation
The phrase translates to "The Surname" or "My Last Name" .
The poet searches for his roots among various African ethnic groups torn apart by slavery, specifically mentioning origins like the Mandinga, Congo, and Dahomey. The title frames the central conflict of the
Throughout his life, Guillén was actively involved in Cuban politics and social movements. He was a member of the Communist Party of Cuba and served as the Director of the Casa de las Américas, a prestigious cultural institution in Havana.
The 10-line question sequence builds a ritualistic, almost religious longing. In English, the repeated “Will it return from…” becomes an incantation. The final line introduces as a possible womb – a powerful, unresolved ending. The phrase translates to "The Surname" or "My Last Name"
Nicolás Guillén (1902–1989) was a Cuban poet, journalist, and activist. He is widely considered the national poet of Cuba and a leader of the Afrocubanismo movement. This cultural movement in the early 20th century sought to recognize and celebrate African roots as a core pillar of Cuban identity.
The name is most famously associated with , the National Poet of Cuba. He was a master of "poesía negra" (Afro-Antillean poetry) and a leader of the negrismo movement. His work focused on: Mestizaje: The blending of Spanish and African cultures.
“My last name is mine, mine, mine; / but my grandparents did not give it to me — / only the conquerors did.”