Prepared in Podgorica in June 2021, this report combines a historical overview of Montenegrin literature with an analysis of translations produced between 2015 and 2020. Its bibliography contains 81 publications identified through regional and international library catalogues, interviews, public records and direct research.
Most identified translations concern contemporary prose, with novels and short stories representing more than half of the publications. English, Albanian, Macedonian, Slovenian and Italian appear prominently, although many English and Albanian editions were published inside Montenegro and had limited distribution in their intended linguistic markets.
The report identifies four structural problems: the absence of a dedicated book and translation institution, no comprehensive database of projects and participants, insufficient transparency in grant distribution and evaluation, and inadequate budgets. Much international success consequently depends on individual translators and a small number of foreign publishers.
It recommends establishing a public-private book and translation institute; creating databases of translators, agents and publishers; building a national collection of translated works; introducing dedicated funding for translation, publication, distribution and marketing; making grants more transparent; and strengthening the enforcement of copyright protections.
Authors and research team: Vladimir Vojinović, Dragana Marković, Sanja Vojinović, Barbara Simović and Miloš Milačić; the joint methodology team also included Alma Mešić and Muamera Smajić from the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Original Montenegrin title: Izvještaj o prevodilaštvu 2015–2020. Podaci, analize podataka i preporuke za Crnu Goru
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