If, as Robert Frost's oft-quoted line goes, poetry is what gets lost in translation, what, then, can the relationship be between poet, translator, poem, and translation? It is almost mathematical: Translate; what is left over is poetry. Frost’s quote suggests that a translation is not like its original: something ‘is lost’. Is a translation, rid of the 'poetry' of the original, an ersatz? Such a concept of translation brings to the fore issues related to authorship: can or should the translator use any means available in the target language to make a translation more poetic? How faithful must a translation be to be a translation? Who has the authority to make a translation? Frost’s quote, as well as the very terminology used in translation (terms such as compensation, modulation), do imply a quantification of meaning. But how does one quantify 'poetry' and perhaps more importantly, is such a quantification desirable? Or does the translator assume the role of the author? Can one be both? This conference aims to explore the relationships between author and translator, poem and translation, inherent in the translation of poetry; to investigate the translation of poetry as a process and as a product; to think of translation in terms of itself as a creative process as well as in relation to the extant work; and to negotiate the role of translation in the wider life of poetry.
We welcome abstracts of no more than 400 words on any area of poetry and translation for presentations of 20 minutes (readings, papers, panels) or 40 minutes (workshops, activities).
Possible proposals might include:
- A reading of poetry in translation of which you are the translator, with time for discussion
- A reading of poetry in translation of which you are the poet, with time for discussion
- A creative-writing workshop on translation with writing exercises and discussion
- A scholarly paper on the role of the translator in terms of poetry
- A discussion of two different translations of one work
- An interview with a translator or poet whose work is translated
- A workshop about translation between art and poetry (ekphrasis)
We are especially interested in proposals which break with traditional conference presentations—workshops, readings, panel discussions, activities. The conference will primarily be in English, but we welcome proposals in other languages, providing there is a suitable translation available (and interpretation on the day).
Conference details:
Location: Nottingham, UK
Date: 28 April, 2011 (TBA)
Reader: (TBC)
Fee: £10 presenter; £15 student participant; £25 other participant
Submission details:
Send PDFs or Word Documents ONLY.
Please title the document you send 'Lastname-Abstract'.
Include your institutional affiliation (if any), email, website, address + phone number.
Our email address: itgivesustheother@gmail.com.
Abstracts due: 31 January 2011.
Responses: February 2011.
