NOTIS and Folio present their second annual Translation Slam, pitting brave experienced translators in competition to defend their renderings of a short excerpt from the Arabic-language novel Frankenstein in Baghdad. Audience participation is highly encouraged.
A translation slam provides unique insight into all the decisions, big and small, that go into producing a well-translated text. Translators can explain their process and priorities, audience members can offer critiques and ask questions, and everyone will come away with more appreciation for the art of literary translation. Whether or not you read Arabic, this comparative approach to assessing a translation's quality and effectiveness will be eye-opening... and fun! All are welcome.
We'll be comparing two new English translations, by NOTIS members Chaouky Kaboul and Tim Gregory, with the published English translation of a chapter from the novel. For a sneak preview of the published version, see:
LitHub: https://lithub.com/frankenstein-in-baghdad/
Google Books preview
The Look Inside preview on Amazon.com
This year's Translation Slam will be moderated by AmazonCrossing editor Liza Darnton, who will provide her perspective as a publisher of English translations.
The Northwest Literary Translators, part of the Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society, meet the third Thursdays of most months at Folio, the Seattle Athenaeum. For more information, join our Facebook group.
