Pier Paolo Pasolini and the overriding urge to translate

This study seeks to present a very little known side of the Italian intellectual Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922-1975), that is to say, that of translator. In the first phase of his life, in Friul, Pasolini undertook poetry using Friulan language, with Poesie a Casarsa (1942). Also he actively devoted to the affirmation of this language as a literary language. In promoting and strengthening Friulan language and identity, he gave translation a very important role. According to him, the act of translation was further proof of the status of Friulan and a necessary task he had to carry out to enrich Friulan culture and language. The study analyses the context in which Pasolini carried out these translations, and his thoughts about translation.