Zee Jaipur Lit Fest 2019 Stories

Found in Translation

Found in Translation

Annie Montaut, Daniel Hahn, Jean-Claude Perrier, Jenny Bhatt, Kalpana Raina, Margit Walsø, N. Kalyan Raman, Pariksith Singh, Priya Sarukkai Chabria, Ranjita Biswas, Rohini Chowdhury, Ravi Singh, Ros Schwartz, Saket Suman and Shahnaz Habib, moderated by Arunava Sinha, with keynote by Ros Schwartz

Juhi Matta, Official Zee Jaipur Literature Festival Blogger

For far too long, the discourse surrounding literary translation has revolved around the 'faithfulness' of translations to their original text. However, the rise in the number of awards recognising excellence in translation has led to a slow but definite change in the way it is perceived. Switching things up from the usual idea of 'Lost in translation', 'Found in Translation' at Jaipur BookMark discussed the role of translators in bringing unheard stories to the fore.

"Translators now have a seat at the table," said Ros Schwartz in her rousing keynote address, which put the spotlight on how perception of the art has changed in recent years. She talked about the political and social aspect of professionals in the field, saying that translators "are able to bring the word of persecuted and silenced writers to the attention of publishers".

Emphasising the need for 'bibliodiversity', the industry veteran also focused on the ways in which professionals and enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to bolster the art. She cited various examples of these, including - but not limited to - crowdsourced and crowdfunded projects, educational initiatives and events "that have become crowd-pullers". British writer, editor and translator Daniel Hahn echoed her sentiments, adding that the work of a translator has grown to encompass mentoring young professionals, copyright lobbying and advocating for equal pay for professionals.

Words Without Borders' Kalpana Raina attributed the rising appreciation for translations to a pushback against populism. Translator N. Kalyan Raman stressed the need for the same in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural country like India. He also voiced one of the most common concerns that, if addressed, could help give the art the place it deserves: "Discourse on translation is skewed in a way that does not acknowledge or empower the translator." French writer Jean-Claude Perrier, French translator Annie Montaut, and Norwegian Literature Abroad Director Margit Walsø, cited some of the initiatives that have worked in Europe, including crediting translators on the cover, awarding scholarships, and providing minimum pay and travel subsidies.

And though things may occasionally seem bleak, all hope isn't lost. Industry heavyweights Ranjita Biswas and Priya Sarukkai Chabria agreed that they - like many others - were still ready to eschew profits and money in favour of this labour of love. "The beauty is that everyone will cooperate with the work." And this cooperation doesn't just extend to the translation community. "Publishers, small and big, need to come together," said Speaking Tiger Books' Ravi Singh, raising a call to action for his contemporaries everywhere.