Center for Art in Translation Reports on Joint Workshop

By Shevi Berlinger and Olivia E. Sears of the Center for Art in Translation

The Center for Art in Translation was thrilled to present its first collaborative workshop with NCTA, entitled “Literary Translation: An Introduction for the Novice and New Ideas for the Experienced Literary Translator.” Hopefully the first in a series, the workshop was presented at the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco and was well-attended by an audience of almost 50 literary and nonliterary translators alike.

The workshop provided an overview of the field of literary translation, covering both practical advice and artistic approaches to the craft. Opening with a discussion of thorny copyright issues, the workshop included an informative slideshow, group translation exercise, and ample opportunities for questions and answers. Marian Schwartz, an award-winning Russian translator and former President of ALTA, was the workshop facilitator. Judging from the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the audience, CAT is looking forward to holding many more translation workshops in the future. We thank NCTA for this wonderful opportunity.