Conference: Translating Cultures in Literature

On February 20, 2024, I co-organized the conference Traduire les cultures en littérature : le français au miroir des autres langues [Translating Cultures in Literature: The French Language Reflected by Other Languages] at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi and in connection with NYUAD’s Translation Week. Held in French with simultaneous English translation, the event explored the role of French as both a source and target language in literary translation, intercultural dialogue, publishing, and the circulation of texts across languages and cultures. The programme brought together distinguished scholars, translators, and editors: Dr Hana Subhi discussed the translation of Michel Butor’s La Modification into Arabic; Prof. Gustavo Guerrero examined the history of La Croix du Sud, Gallimard’s landmark collection of Latin American literature in French translation; and Prof. Pascale Sardin reflected on “relevant” translation through the case of Marguerite Duras, Barbara Bray, and archival research. The morning concluded with an exchange with the audience, opening a rich discussion on how translation not only transmits literature, but also reshapes cultural memory, editorial histories, and the place of French among other languages.