Arabic Translation

In the last ten years globalisation has proceeded apace. Not only are we living in an interdependent global village, we are witnessing the emergence of a universal ethical culture in such matters as environmental concerns and standards of human rights. We are all touched by abuses of human rights, the melting of the polar icecaps, the December 2004 tsunami or the trial of Orhan Pamuk.

At the same time, less happily, we are witnessing a polarisation of faiths and attitudes. In spite of the abundance of available information about each other, prejudices – anti-westernisation, Islamophobia, anti-semitism – seem to be on the increase.

The translator is a mediator between languages and cultures. We all need to know, understand and celebrate the thoughts, fears and dreams of the other. Most of the great literary products of the world – the holy scriptures of the great religions, ancient philosophy, the works of Cervantes, Shakespeare, Goethe, the 19th century Russian novels and contemporary global literature – are known only through translation. The translator thus has a huge responsibility towards both the source writer and the target reader.

The contemporary Arab world is rarely off the front page of the international media. Conflicts in Israel/Palestine, Iraq, issues of access to oil and the diaspora of Arabs to Europe and the United States have made Arabs visible in what is, in shorthand, called 'the West', as never before. But much less is known of the creativity of the contemporary Arab world. It is the task of the translator to mediate and enlighten, to give an intellectual and creative dimension to the people behind the news stories.

Similarly, what does the Arab world know of contemporary creativity of the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and the United States (as well as the rest of the world)? Much non-Arab culture is mediated to the Arab world through film, news, study, travel (usually only to the larger cities) and the returning diaspora. University departments of foreign languages are staffed by people who have spent some years in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and the United States.

The British Council sees translation as a major activity of cultural exchange, and has explored themes at conferences in London in 2000, in Damascus in 2005 and now in London in 2006.

Translation takes place in a broader context. In addition to the linguistic and cultural framework there is also the social and economic agenda. What are the mechanisms for translation? Who publishes? How are books selected for publication? What are the rewards for publisher, writer and translator? What can be done to promote and ensure the highest standards of translation? What are the respective roles of governments, the private sector, regional and international organisations?

Read more... Arab Literature in English and see the British Council's New Arabic Books website for more information.

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