Free Word

The opening plenary of International Translation Day 2016 brought together a translator/writer, an agent/scout, an editor/publisher, a publicist, a distributor, a bookseller and a member of the media on one stage to discuss the entire chain from author to reader. They asked: What does it take to successfully publish translated literature, what are the pitfalls, and what can be done to make things better?

There are now over 1 million pupils in UK schools who speak English as an additional language (EAL). Languages no longer live neatly side-by-side, but rather mix and mingle. This has thrown up new hybrid ways of using language. Participants explored what this means for translators and heard about the creative opportunities this multilingualism affords.

Is self-publishing feasible for translators? When writers choose to self-publish, their voice becomes their brand but as translators speak in many voices they need a different approach. We explored some of the options open to self-publishing translators - hybrid or alternative publishing solutions , co-operations, crowd funding and personal projects, amongst others.

A focused session with one of the shortlisted translators for the 2016 Man Booker International Prize sharing their experience, practice and advice with reference to projects past and present.

What does sign language literature look like? What qualities does sign language poetry have? And what challenges might lie in trying to translate a visual, gestural, dynamic, three-dimensional literature? Can the page capture it?

This session took us deep into the wondrous world of sign language poetry, and introduced some of the curious forms of translation that might lurk there.

What happens after you successfully place a book with a publisher? This session aimed to give publishers the chance to explain the editorial stage and other practicalities from their point of view, providing a unique chance to learn what publishers wish translators knew about their side of the business.

Historically, literary translation featured in Higher Education mainly as an undergraduate language-learning method. More recently, many universities have developed master's degrees in translation that reflect the rapid development of CAT tools and the rise of Translation Studies as an academic discipline. But the role of literary translation in this context is less clear. We examined the changing role of literary translation within academia, focusing in particular on the interface between Higher Education and the profession, in the UK and beyond.

On 12 September 2016, Austrian author Julya Rabinowich joined us at Free Word Centre to read from her novel 'Splithead' - translated by Tess Lewis - and share her thoughts on Europe.

Splithead is a tale of what happens when East meets West for one family. It is a novel about exile, new departures and dead ends. Julya was joined in conversation by Dr Áine McMurtry, lecturer in German at King’s College London.

Wanderlust: Great Literature from Around the World is a monthly event series at Free Word.

To explore the Wanderlust events we’ve held so far and read about (and around) some of the books we’ve featured, click here: https://www.freewordcentre.com/explore/projects/wanderlust

Yeonmi Park, a human rights activist originally from North Korea, talked to us about her favourite word: 'love'.

On 22 June 2016, Free Word, in association with Counterpoints Arts and Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, presented a read-a-thon and panel discussion with writers, poets and newly arrived communities.

For a full list of speakers and to see videos from this event, visit our blog: https://www.freewordcentre.com/explore/watch-refugee-week-stories

This event was part of Refugee Week 2016 as well as Unravelling Europe: https://www.freewordcentre.com/explore/projects/unravelling-europe