Translation

Books and translations are vital to fostering cultural diversity and dialogue, enabling the exchange of ideas and stories across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Literary translation plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of diverse cultures, helping them to be understood and appreciated by others. However, the field faces significant challenges, including the dominance of national literature and Anglo-American translations in many European markets, the challenges when exporting works from small languages, and the impact of emerging technologies on the work of literary translators and the industry as a whole.

The Translation theme explores innovative strategies, practical solutions, and emerging opportunities to address these challenges. By delving into market dynamics, enhancing business practices, integrating new technologies, and leveraging funding opportunities, this theme aims to empower publishers, translators, and book professionals to broaden the reach and impact of translated literature.

The theme will focus on several key topics, including:

Deep Dive into the European Translation Market

The European translation market is as diverse as the cultures it represents, with significant differences between large and small markets. This topic examines trends in sales, publishing approaches and policies, and the financial aspects of producing translations, including contracts and profitability. It also addresses the growing phenomenon of readers, especially younger audiences, opting for English originals over translations, a trend amplified by social media platforms like TikTok. Additionally, it explores the use of English as a bridge language in translation and its implications for the literary ecosystem.

Business Practices, Value Chain Optimization, and Capacity Building

Optimizing the processes behind publishing translations is crucial for small and mid-scale publishers. This topic focuses on the practicalities of managing translation projects, from securing rights to collaborating with translators and agents. It highlights opportunities for capacity building among literary professionals and explores how markets dominated by English, French, and German translations can open up to lesser-used languages. By sharing best practices, this topic provides tools to enhance efficiency and promote linguistic diversity in publishing.

Strategies for Publishing Literary Works in Translation

Success in publishing translations is shaped by various factors, from sales and media visibility to awards and recognition. This topic examines trends in translation markets, including genre preferences and the growing demand for children’s literature and poetry. It delves into the challenges of publishing works from lesser-used languages and offers strategies for discovering, importing, and showcasing diverse literary voices. The role of mediators, such as scouts and literary agents, is also explored as a critical component in facilitating these translations.

New Technologies in Translation: The Next Wave

Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly evolving and their impact on creative and cultural sectors is growing. This topic provides practical insights into how AI, large language models (LLM) and AI-supported translation services function. It discusses how they can support the translation process – from improving efficiency to enhancing accuracy, and tackles the worrying tendency of engaging literary translators in post-editing. The topic also addresses regulatory considerations, specifically the EU AI Act, and other legal and ethical aspects of the interaction with AI, such as ‘feeding’ language models with copyrighted texts and labelling AI-generated content.

Funding Opportunities for Publishing Literary Works in Translation

Funding plays a vital role in supporting translations and reducing the financial risks for publishers. This topic explores national and international funding schemes, including the TRADUKI network and EU’s Creative Europe programme, as well as creative residencies and mobility programmes. It also highlights the significance of literary prizes, such as the International Booker and PEN Literary Awards, as catalysts for international recognition and success. By providing guidance on accessing these resources, this topic aims to empower publishers and translators to bring diverse voices to global audiences.

The Translation theme provides a comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities for translated literature. By addressing market dynamics, enhancing business practices, integrating emerging technologies, and exploring funding avenues, it empowers professionals to amplify cultural diversity and enrich global literary landscapes. With a focus on practical tools and forward-looking strategies, this theme ensures that translated works continue to connect readers across borders and foster mutual understanding in an interconnected world.