The Translation of Modern Arabic Literature into European Languages Symposium

The speakers are listed in the programme

This Symposium represents the continued intellectual and institutional collaboration between The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).  These collaborative ventures involve the organization of an International Symposium covering a crucial aspect related to the study and dissemination of Arab culture and Arabic literature in the west (so far regional coverage included Europe, Russia, North America and South America).  At the end a detailed report is drawn up based on the presentations and debates, and an edited volume is prepared for publication.

In previous years, two major symposia were held: a conference on The State of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Western Universities (2006), and a sequel on The Disciplinary Study of the Arab World in Western Universities (2008).

It has been agreed upon that the theme for the 2010 Symposium, which will take place in London in the SOAS main buildings between 30 November and 03 December 2010 , will be The Translation of Modern Arabic Literature into European Languages .  A public event will be planned for the first evening of the Symposium, in which prominent scholars will deliver keynote addresses on major issues related to the theoretical, intellectual, cultural and political dimensions of the reception of modern Arabic literature in translation.  The Symposium will then take place over the next three days.  We would like to plan for a highly structured academic forum in which there is also close investigation into the more practical operations of translation and publication.  Not only academics but also professional translators, publishers and heads of relevant organizations and publishing houses will be invited to participate in the discussion and in what is hoped to be a comprehensive investigation of this issue.

The Symposium is envisioned as a forum for a focused investigation into the relationship between translation, literature and cultural and intercultural processes, and a sustained engagement on the crucial issues related to its major themes.  And it is to that end that a group of about 20 specialist scholars, covering the regions of Europe, Russia and North America and a diversity of languages, have been carefully selected for contribution to the planned debates.  Each participant will have 30 minutes for presenting the paper and 30 minutes for discussion.

Symposium Rationale

Please click here for the symposium rationale .

Programme

Click here to view the programme.  Please note that the schedule may change due to unforeseen circumstances that may arise between now and the end of November.

Abstracts

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