What happens when translating a language which on the surface is shared by millions of speakers separated by borders, oceans and cultures?

Join us for this session where three translators, editors and poets will discuss the challenges and joys of translating poetry from different generations, experiences, communities, and countries but written in the supposedly same language.

Across the globe, there are several languages that are spoken by major populations, growing diaspora communities, and language and cultural enthusiasts. But what are the benefits of taking on the translation of a literary work originally written in one of these languages?

Does it make it easier to find quality authors with a bigger pool of writing talent to access? Easier to sell to a publisher or reader? Is there a bigger audience either in the diaspora or the general readership? Or is it harder? Are you battling misconceptions, and is there a danger of misrepresenting a writer, their community or tradition?

Join us for this session where three translators, editors and poets will discuss the challenges and joys of translating poetry from different generations, experiences, communities, and countries but written in the supposedly same language.

The PTC is excited to host this event featuring the poet and one of the translators of our forthcoming World Poet Series title A Friend's Kitchen by Al-Saddiq Al-Raddi (tr. Bryar Bajalan and Shook) and the editor Nashwa Nasreldin of our next title I Will Not Fold These Maps by Mona Kareem (tr. Sara Elkamel).