Metaglossia: The Translation World

"SHILLONG, April 27: Anuvadini, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, will translate the ABK Media India’s ‘The Northeast Connect’ into various Indian languages.
According to a statement here, Anuvadini has been breaking boundaries by translating movie dialogues from Vietnamese to diverse Indian languages in collaboration with ABK Media India, which is also the official India partner of the Vietnamese movie, A Fragile Flower.
It may be mentioned that the ABK Media has structured the ‘The Northeast Connect’ that delves deep into the heart of Northeast’s richness.
“Comprising the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, this region is not just a geographic entity but a treasure trove of diversity. Over 400 languages echo through its valleys, yet only three are recognized by the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, showcasing the intricate linguistic tapestry that defines this land,” the statement said.
It is pertinent to note that his initiative aligns with the vision of the YUVA Prathibha initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote education and cultural awareness.
Anuvadini will also become the first tool to translate the dialogue of a movie into various Indian languages.
Another groundbreaking platform is Anuvadini’s Bharat Tube, which revolutionises video translation by preserving the original audio ambiance, translating videos seamlessly from various Indian and foreign languages.
“With the ability to translate live videos swiftly and maintain the background music, Bharat Tube enhances accessibility and promotes seamless communication across diverse languages, marking a significant advancement in multimedia translation technology,” the statement said.
Anuvadini’s integration into platforms like SWAYAM signifies a significant step towards overcoming these challenges by making educational content accessible in multiple languages."

#metaglossia_mundus

"Monday 29 April 2024 "Twenty of the best Arabic novels that are available in English

International Prize for Arabic Fiction administrator Fleur Montanaro shares her favourite regional reads

Azazeel by Youssef Ziedan (Egypt).

 

Saeed Saeed

 

Apr 27, 2024

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Trying to describe the characteristics of a “typical” Arabic novel is an overly ambitious task. The many countries and cultures that make up the region are impossible to generalise, and the minds that make up its healthy literary diaspora are individual.

However, if it’s not definition you seek but recommendation, look no further than the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, which will be awarded in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi the Ipaf was launched in 2007 and has grown to become the gold standard when it comes to Arabic fiction.

Because of its scope, the Ipaf's selection offers the perfect gateway for those wanting to explore the Arabic novel, says prize administrator Fleur Montanaro. The English literature graduate and Arabic translator, who was born in Malta and raised in Nigerian and the UK, says picking up these books will also help people break some of the misconceptions surrounding the region.

“I would say to anyone to please read these books to gain an insider's view of the Arab world and its culture, and don't judge by what you see on the news,” she tells The National. “The books not only deal with the burning questions of the Arab world, but also issues relevant to us all, such as identity, love, fear and memory. They should be read as works of art, not just as a guide to these countries.”

To begin your collection, Montanaro picks her favourite reads from the Ipaf selection. All of these books are available in English translation and have either won or been shortlisted for the prize. Here are her 20 favourites.

1. The Dispersal by Inaam Kachachi (Iraq)

 

“The Dispersal has a warm, humane and elegant prose typical of the Iraqi author’s work. It tells the story of a female doctor working in the countryside in southern Iraq in the 1950s, in an atmosphere far removed from the sectarian conflicts of today, and follows the lives of her children, dispersed across the globe. The novel gives a powerful sense of the cultural richness and diversity of 1950s Iraq, balanced by a profound and poignant sense of loss.”

2. Firefly by Jabbour Douaihy (Lebanon)

“This unforgettable, evocative novel charts the life of a Muslim hero brought up by Christians in a Lebanon fragmented by civil war. The curiously-named Nizam (which means regime or system) negotiates roadblocks and checkpoints where showing the wrong ID card can lead to execution. His discoveries of love and creative fulfilment are short lived, since ultimately the hostile sectarian environment will prove too strong for him.”

3. The Secrets of Folder 42 by Abdelmajid Sebbata (Morocco)

The Secrets of Folder 42 by Abdelmajid Sebbata. Photo: Banipal Books

“The novel by Moroccan author Abdelmajid Sebbata was shortlisted for the Ipaf Award in 2021 and an English version will be out in May. It is a thriller-cum-jigsaw puzzle with an intricately constructed plot comprising different strands which finally come together at the end.”

4. The Slave Pens by Najwa Binshatwan (Libya)

“The Slave Pens is considered to be the Libyan author’s finest novel. Binshatwan said she was inspired to write the novel after seeing a black-and-white photo of unknown women standing on a plot of land in Tripoli. The Slave Pens conjures up their lives, lifting the lid on the dark and untold history of slavery in Libya, whose effects resonate today.”

5. A Small Death by Mohammed Hasan Alwan (Saudi Arabia)

“The 2017 Ipaf award-winning work is one of those rare long novels (around 600 pages) you wish would never end. It is a fictionalised account of the Sufi saint, Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi, from his birth in Muslim Spain in the 12th century until his death in Damascus. It describes his journeys through numerous countries and search for his four aqtab or spiritual guides, one of whom is a woman he loves. Although the historical background is fascinating, it is his inner growth, spiritual struggles and triumphs captivating readers.”

 

6. A Sky So Close to Us by Shahla Ujayli (Syria)

“The book explores the lives of Syrian exiles in Amman (where Shahla herself lives) and spans the globe to take in Iraq, Palestine, Serbia and Vietnam. It is a rich, textured work following the destinies of multiple protagonists and highlighting the impact of war as well as personal tragedy upon the individual.”

7. The Old Woman and the River by Ismail Fahd Ismail

“The late, esteemed 'father of the Kuwaiti novel' Ismail Fahd Ismail was a prolific writer but this title is the only one available in English at present. A slim volume, it tells the true story of a belligerent old woman and her donkey who resisted Iraqi army attempts to seize her piece of land, which lay on the front line during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.”

8. The Bird Tattoo by Dunya Mikhail (Iraq)

The Bird Tattoo By Dunya Mikhail. Photo: Simon & Schuster

“The novel deals with the painful subject of the sale of Yazidi women as slaves by Isis, balancing this trauma with an exploration of the astonishing world of Yazidi customs and legends. The story is told without exaggeration or sentiment and the Iraqi-American Mikhail went on become the English translator of the book, which is now in several other languages.”

9. Sarajevo Firewood by Said Khatibi (Algeria)

“The novel compares and contrasts the destinies of two countries in the Balkans and North Africa: Algeria and Bosnia. At one time tied by bonds of friendship and ideology, both became embroiled in futile civil wars. In Algeria, as in Bosnia, the 20th century had a bloody end, as people were torn apart by issues of religion and ethnicity. The novel follows protagonists, Salim and Ivana, both of whom fled war and hatred in their countries, to build a new life in Slovenia.”

10. Azazeel by Youssef Ziedan (Egypt)

“One of the most successful winners of the Ipaf (2009), it won the Anobii First Book Award at the Edinburgh Festival (a prize given based on readers' votes). Not every scholar and historian can turn novelist, but Youssef Ziedan managed it and surprised the literary world by doing so. His subsequent novels have been much in demand, although many would say that none equal this masterpiece. The story is set in the 5th century and charts a Coptic monk’s journey from Upper Egypt to Alexandria and then Syria during a time of massive religious upheaval.”

11. The Bamboo Stalk by Saud Alsanousi (Kuwait)

The Bamboo Stalk by Saud Alsanousi (2015)

“This is an incredibly successful Ipaf winner [2013] with more than 30 Arabic editions printed. Readers have engaged deeply with the book and its protagonist, who is half-Kuwaiti, half-Filipino. It's told in simple language appropriate for the uneducated narrator and vividly evokes the Philippines and Kuwait. The novel explores the struggles of identity that anyone can have, and with humorous touches.”

12. The Baghdad Clock by Shahad Al Rawi (Iraq)

“Translation rights were snapped up by Oneworld before this debut novel was shortlisted for the Ipaf in 2018. It is an intensely warm, nostalgic look back at a girl's childhood in a middle-class Baghdad neighbourhood in the 1990s. Reading it, you strongly sense the author's deep fondness for the place she grew up in and the people she knew, now changed for ever.”

13. The Frightened Ones by Dima Wannous (Syria)

“This examines fear from the grass roots and the effects of the Syrian Assad regime on individuals. It asks the question, how do people become savage beasts? Do they go to sleep and wake up the next morning like that? It is set in present-day Syria and charts a relationship that begins in a therapist’s waiting room. It was shortlisted for the Ipaf in 2018.”

14. Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi (Iraq)

“Probably the best-known Ipaf winning novel [2014] outside the Arab world. One particular scene in this novel gave me a shiver up the spine. As a whole, it offers a rich, panoramic view of Iraq in 2006, with Frankenstein the monster becoming a metaphor for cyclical revenge and sectarianism.”

15. A Rare Blue Bird that Flies With Me' by Youssef Fadel (Morocco)

“This book is part of a trilogy about the ‘Years of Lead’ in the 1980s in Morocco when the regime harshly persecuted all opposition, including from intellectuals. It gives a powerful, detailed account of an innocent man stagnating, Monte Christo-like, in an infamous prison in southern Morocco. It is informed no doubt by the time the author himself spent in prison during that period. It takes in a wider sweep of Morocco, and the private as well as public despotism, but there is also beauty and hope.”

16. Voices of the Lost by Hoda Barakat (Lebanon)

“This short novel achieves a lot in a few pages. Through its brilliantly crafted epistolary structure, it takes a compassionate look at lost souls (who are Arab migrants) and modern humanity's ultimate failure to communicate, despite the many means we now have of doing so. The story is told through six letters and follows the fate of its writers who are linked to one another and their fates are also intertwined.”

17. In Praise of Hatred by Khaled Khalifa (Syria)

“The influential literary publication List Muse included this book as one of its Top 100 Novels of All Time. Penguin described it as 'a stirring, sensual story' that focuses on the clash between the Syrian regime and Islamic fundamentalists in the author's native Aleppo in the 1980s. It's a must-read. The late Khalifa was relatively unknown on the literary scene before the book was shortlisted in the inaugural year of the prize in 2008.”

18. June Rain by Jabbour Douaihy (Lebanon)

A handout book cover image of "June Rain" by Jabbour Douaihy translated by Paula Haydar (Courtesy: Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing)

Douaihy's inspired characterisation weaves a careful web of memorable protagonists from small town Lebanon during the civil war, whose lives interlock in intricate and sometimes devastating ways. A non-Arabic-reading English friend said she is still haunted by one of the characters.”

19. Embrace on Brooklyn Bridge by Ezzedine Choukri Fishere (Egypt)

“In modern-day America, Egyptian-Americans are travelling to a birthday party, which we never see them reach. But the real journey is through their past memories and present lives, showing each one's encounter with the US. The 2012 shortlisted novel is subtle and eschews stereotypes.”

20. The Longing of the Dervish by Hammour Ziada (Sudan)

“Probably the reader's favourite to win in the year it was shortlisted, 2015, but it wasn't to be. The story of an Islamic fundamentalist political movement that took power in Sudan in the 19th century has obvious modern-day resonance. It is also a bittersweet love story in the most unlikely of circumstances.”"

#metaglossia_mundus

"Surge una gran oportunidad para los traductores literarios, aquí los detalles

Por Dread Joel González Plaza

Escrito en TENDENCIAS el 27/4/2024 · 00:12 hs

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Estudiar o trabajar en otro país es una experiencia que muchos mexicanos desean vivir. Es cierto que en los últimos años, las oportunidades para lograr este sueño han incrementado considerablemente, desde instituciones educativas, culturales, empresas e incluso gobiernos han ampliado las opciones para atraer talento mexicano a estos países. En esta ocasión, te daremos información sobre una convocatoria para vivir en Suiza. 

Beca para traductores literarios mexicanos 

El pasado 25 de abril, la embajada de Suiza en México, publicó en sus medios oficiales de comunicación que todo aquel que sea traductor literario mexicano, puede postularse para recibir una beca de hasta 130,000 pesos y poder residir en Suiza."

#metaglossia_mundus

"Google Search’s speaking practice AI feature lets English language learners practice conversation with a chatbot. It’s available in six countries to start.

The speaking practice feature creates an AI bot that keeps up a conversation with users who are learning to speak English.

By Emilia David, a reporter who covers AI. Prior to joining The Verge, she covered the intersection between technology, finance, and the economy.

Apr 26, 2024, 8:06 PM GMT+1

Google is testing its AI listening skills with a feature that lets people speak into their phones and practice English with a conversational AI bot. Google first rolled out the speaking practice experience in October 2023. Originally, the feature only provided feedback on spoken sentences. Now, users can practice having ongoing conversations in the language they’re learning.

TechCrunch reports that the feature is currently available for Search Labs users in Argentina, Colombia, India, Mexico, Venezuela, and Indonesia. Search Labs is Google’s sandbox for potential new Search features; however, the feature may also pop up based on translating to or from English with Google on an Android device. 

For now, the feedback and conversation practice features are only available in English. Google said in its 2023 blog that Search is a “valuable tool for language learners” because they can get translations and definitions and search for vocabulary.

 

Google doesn’t have a curriculum or a system that levels up students like Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, or other language learning apps. When it launched speaking practice, the company said it helps learners not just practice but also figure out the best words or conjugations to use within the context of a conversation. While Google has had a translation feature for years, the company has also been growing the number of languages its AI models understand.   

AI-assisted language learning is not new. Duolingo, arguably the most popular language learning app, added an AI chatbot in 2016 and integrated GPT-4 in 2023. Another online language learning platform, Memrise, launched a GPT-3-based chatbot on Discord that lets people learn languages while chatting. Other language learning platforms also offer conversation practice. For example, Pimsleur asks users to roleplay a conversation with the app, prompting people to respond to questions in their target language. 

As an avid Duolingo user (947-day Spanish streak), it is crucial for me to get feedback and practice speaking the languages I’m learning in actual conversations. Google hasn’t said what its plans for language learning are or if the speaking practice feature will be expanded to more countries, but Duo, the owl mascot of Duolingo, could be shaking in his boots."

#metaglossia_mundus

"Un duo d’interprètes au service de la communauté sourde et malentendante à Saint-Nazaire

Charlotte Lorin et Agathe Lacoste forment Idem interprétation depuis 2016. Ce service d’interprètes, basé à Saint-Nazaire, œuvre pour l’intégration des personnes sourdes et malentendantes.

 

« Sur 1 000 000 de personnes sourdes en France, seulement 400 000 utilisent la langue des signes. C’est très peu », note Agathe Lacoste, interprète entre le français et la langue des signes française. Depuis 2016, la jeune femme s’est associée à Charlotte Lorin, pour former Idem interprétation, une entreprise d’interprètes au service de la communauté sourde et malentendante de Saint-Nazaire.

« Nous sommes débordées »

En ce moment, le duo croule sous les demandes. « Nous intervenons dans les entreprises, pour traduire des formations ou des bilans annuels. Nous travaillons aussi avec la mairie de Saint-Nazaire pour..."

#metaglossia_mundus

Ottawa – April 27, 2024 – "The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) welcomes the order issued by the Labour Program on April 25, instructing the Translation Bureau to prohibit the delivery of interpretation services unless specific measures are always in place to protect interpreters against Larsen effects, or dangerous audio feedback. 

Interpretation services ensure parliamentary exchanges are conducted in both official languages and compliant with the Official Languages Act. Service interruption would have dire consequences on parliamentary proceedings. 

This instruction follows an investigation that was launched in mid-April, after an interpreter suffered a damaging workplace injury that has so far prevented them from returning to work. A complaint was lodged with the Labour Program that led to the investigator ruling that the workplace is unsafe and in violation of the Labour Code. The investigation’s findings are clear that Larsen effects – both from sudden and repeated exposure – can cause permanent hearing damage and constitute a serious threat. 

“For almost a decade, interpreters have been placing themselves in harm's way every time they do their job,” said CAPE President Nathan Prier. “Despite an unacceptably high number of workplace injuries, the Translation Bureau has been slow to implement proper measures to protect their employees. This decision is a vindication for all those who have been suffering – an important step forward to ensure interpreters’ health and safety is protected when they do their job.”

Following the move to hybrid settings in 2020, interpreters have been experiencing higher rates of workplace injuries due to poor or inadequate equipment, which can cause audio feedback. These injuries have often been serious, permanently damaging the hearing of interpreters and rendering them unable to continue working in their profession. 

“Every day, interpreters have been exposed to potential injuries that can have lasting and debilitating impacts. Interpreters care about the work that they do – but the measures taken so far by management and their partners have been insufficient to adequately protect their health,” said an interpreter represented by CAPE. “Faced with this situation, interpreters have been mobilizing through our union to pressure the government to act. This decision shows our work has produced results. We will maintain our efforts until all interpreters are permanently protected from undue risk.”

The Translation Bureau has been ordered to remove all earpieces and headsets with microphones and replace them with higher-quality versions that reduce the risk of feedback. Members of Parliament and committee chairs will also be receiving new information and instructions to ensure that proper procedures are observed.
 

About CAPE

With more than 25,000 members, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees is one of the largest federal public sector unions in Canada, dedicated to advocating on behalf of federal employees in the Economics and Social Science Services (EC) and Translation (TR) groups, as well as employees of the Library of Parliament (LoP), the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (OPBO) and civilian members of the RCMP (ESS and TRL). For more information: acep-cape.ca"

#metaglossia_mundus: https://www.acep-cape.ca/en/news/translation-bureau-forced-better-protect-interpreters-after-dangerous-working-conditions

 

"Public service interpreters assume a key role in rendering accessible social services to newcomer clients. They could even be considered inherent to social work settings that are multilingual in nature, such as the interactional context of unaccompanied minors and their legal guardians. However, despite the intrinsic linguistic diversity and the unique position of interpreters in this setting, guardian–minor encounters remain unexplored in research. The current study therefore aims to provide insight into the multilingual needs and challenges in these encounters, focussing particularly on the roles interpreters play in this setting and how they are perceived to affect the interaction. To this end, the study draws on twelve semi-structured interviews with guardians of unaccompanied minors, collected as part of a research project examining the impact of multilingual strategies on the communication and relationship between guardians and minors in Belgium. Through thematic analysis, the study explores guardians’ insecurities, revealing confusion about the professional status of interpreters, concerns about interpretation quality and conflicting expectations of what interpreters should (not) do. The study provides recommendations with a view to improving both the confidence of guardians and the efficiency of guardian–minor interactions, and highlights the relevance of the findings for various other social work settings."

#metaglossia_mundus

"Only by sticking with the original title for their films have actors like Sukumar, Prashanth Neel, and SS rajamouli been able to make their Pan-Indian blockbusters successful in the first place. In particular, they have chosen a single title that will appeal to moviegoers everywhere. Currently, the box office prospects of certain recently dubbed films are being negatively impacted by the fact that their names are not being spoken correctly.
 
There isn't a single scene in Vijay Antony's tamil film "Romeo," which is called "Love Guru" in Telugu. Instead, the hero isn't transformed into a love guru by any means. The title of the movie is where the hero will appear in the narrative, thus viewers are also let down by the absence of a suitable tie-in. And now we have the telugu version of the tamil movie Aranmai 4, called "Baak," which has nothing to do with the scary elements of the film.
 
Even though GV Prakash's newly released film "Dear" has the same title in both telugu and tamil, the movie's chances were greatly impacted by the fact that its plot is very similar to that of the "Good Night" picture.
 

However, because the initial films in the franchise have already been well-known because of their nativity, directors like as shankar are choosing to name their sequels differently. Here, his "Indian 2" is called "Bharateeyudu 2." In a same vein, Maniratnam previously used PS (Ponniyan Selvan) for both languages, although for telugu he called Ok kanmani Ok Bangaram due to nativity. However, there is no minimum takers for "Chekka Chivantha Vaanam," which he titled as Nawab in Telugu.
 
The bottom line is that, particularly for dubbed films, the title should accurately convey the plot of the picture."

#metaglossia_mundus

"When it comes to processing information in native tongue, a multilingual's brain is less active than that of a person who speaks one language.

IF you're a polyglot, you've probably already noticed how little effort it takes to think and express yourself in your native tongue. An American study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, examines this phenomenon and shows that our brains process the first language we learn differently from others.

The academics behind this research drew on the findings of a 2021 study, which suggested that the brain of a polyglot is less active than that of a person who speaks just one language when it has to process information in their native tongue. The researchers wanted to investigate this finding further, to understand what actually happens in the brains of polyglots when they listen to languages they are more or less proficient in.

 

Evelina Fedorenko, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and her colleagues conducted an experiment involving some 30 individuals speaking at least five languages. While some of the volunteers were more multilingual than others, they all had one thing in common: they were not multilingual "from infancy."

Each participant had to listen to passages from the Bible and Alice in Wonderland being read in eight different languages – some of which they didn't speak – while the researchers analysed their neural activity using a functional MRI scanner. The academics found that the polyglots' brains reacted differently depending on the language they were listening to.

 

Less engagement

Language processing networks, located in the left cerebral hemisphere, were most engaged when participants listened to languages in which they were most proficient. However, they did not engage very much when the participants heard their native language. Fedorenko hypothesises that the brain is activated to a lesser extent with a native language because it is the one with which we are most familiar. "The findings suggest there is something unique about the first language one acquires, which allows the brain to process it with minimal effort," according to the researchers via a press release.

Additionally, the researchers noted that a brain network known as the "multiple demand network" is activated when listening to languages that differ from one's mother tongue. This finding is significant, given that the multiple demand network is involved in the performance of complex and demanding cognitive tasks. This proves that our brains are better able to process information in a language we have mastered since childhood.

 

Most of the polyglots in this study began learning a language other than the one they grew up with as teenagers or adults. In the future, researchers plan to study the brains of people who are multilingual from childhood onwards. Whatever the case, there's no doubt that mastering several languages is a good way to maintain brain health. Multilingualism, for example, has been shown to delay the onset of dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. – AFP Relaxnews"

#metaglossia_mundus

"Online translation platform DeepL says it launching an AI assistant that, unlike ChatGPT and other rival AI chatbots, is designed to support the writing process with real-time suggestions on word choice, phrasing, style and tone.

DeepL is already the go-to for machine translations in many companies. Now, the German start-up wants to compete against Google, OpenAI and Microsoft with its own AI assistant designed for writing. 

COLOGNE: Online translation platform DeepL says it launching an AI assistant that, unlike ChatGPT and other rival AI chatbots, is designed to support the writing process with real-time suggestions on word choice, phrasing, style and tone.

The German software company says its new assistant allows users to optimise their texts regardless of their language skills and find the right words for any situation and any reader.

DeepL Write Pro is the company's first product to be based on its own large AI language model (LLM). LLMs are machine learning models that are trained to understand and generate human language. Well-known LLMs include GPT from OpenAI, Gemini from Google and Llama from the Facebook group Meta.

The new AI writing assistant is primarily aimed at business users and is designed to support teams in companies when writing business content.

DeepL says the assistant, which currently works in English and German, can help companies ensure precise communication from internal content to external customer communications and contracts.

The assistant is available for free with a limited number of text improvements, and costs €15 or $16.50 monthly per user in the full version.

The Cologne-based start-up is now competing against chatbots and other AI tools from large IT companies such as Microsoft and Google, as well as the world's leading AI start-up OpenAI.

In the past, DeepL's translation app has had to hold its own against Google Translate in particular, often achieving better ratings than the US company's service. However, DeepL only supports 30 different languages, while Google Translate can translate texts into 133 languages. – dpa"

#metaglossia_mundus

"By Wan Shuyan from CNS,edited by Wang Zonghan Editor's note: German Sinologist Martin Woesler is a member of the Academy of Europe and holds the Jean Monnet Chair awarded by the EU. He is also professor in Sinology at the University Witten/Herdecke in Germany.

2024-04-28 10:53:07Ecns.cnEditor : Feng ShuangECNS App Download

By Wan Shuyan from CNS,edited by Wang Zonghan

Editor's note: German Sinologist Martin Woesler is a member of the Academy of Europe and holds the Jean Monnet Chair awarded by the EU. He is also professor in Sinology at the University Witten/Herdecke in Germany. Earlier, he was the head of the Chinese Department at the International University SDI München, a professor at the University Roma Three in Italy and a former associate professor at the Utah Valley University, the U.S. In 2019, he became a distinguished professor of the Hunan Normal University in China. His main research interests are the Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the four great Chinese novels, comparative literature, translation, crosscultural communication and contemporary Chinese literature. His joint translation of the Dream of the Red Chamber with Benjamin Schwartz is the first full translation of the classic in German. He was awarded the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2020.

In 1926, the French literary journal Europe published the French version of Lu Xun's novella The True Story of Ah Q, translated by Jing Yinyu. It marked the start of the translation of Chinese modern and contemporary literature into Western languages. Martin Woesler has translated several major Chinese authors' work into German. They range from Lu Xun, Zhu Ziqing, Ba Jin, Qian Zhongshu, Wang Meng and Jia Pingwa to Han Han. Here, he talks about the importance of contemporary Chinese literature in understanding China.

CNS: In addition to the Dream of the Red Chamber, you have translated a large number of modern Chinese writers' works as well. Why modern Chinese literature?

Martin Woesler: Chinese literature has always maintained a good level of creativity. The Dream of the Red Chamber and The True Story of Ah Q were among the best works of global literature at the time.

In the 1920s, China produced many high-quality works that formed part of world literature. One reason for it was the good communication between Chinese writers and the literary communities of other countries. Today, there are many outstanding Chinese literary works that deserve to be known to the rest of the world but are still unknown because while more works are being introduced in China, original Chinese works are not being translated and introduced to the world.

Another reason contemporary Chinese literature appeals to me is because it has a lot of local characteristics. For example, (1952-born prolific novelist) Jia Pingwa's work contains a lot of the dialect and traditions of his hometown. These wonderful elements, while difficult to translate into other languages, deserve a wider readership. I would love to translate Chinese stories that depict rural life and present them to international readers.

There are many quality contemporary Chinese literary works. Lu Xun improved the use of the modern colloquial language in writing. Although he declined to be nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature, his work has surpassed the criteria for the award. The True Story of Ah Q, Kong Yiji, and the Diary of a Madman are among the most advanced modern literature of his time. I still cherish the ambitious goal of publishing his complete works in foreign languages. I have translated three of his essays, including The Crisis of the Literary Essay and In Memoriam in Order to Forget.

(Iconic satirical author) Wang Meng has contributed greatly to the experimental development of the stream of consciousness style in literature, and I have been involved in translating some of his work. I also enjoyed translating (1953-born novelist) Han Shaogong's work. 

 

CNS: How does translating modern literature deepen one's understanding of China?

Martin Woesler: Reading modern Chinese literature is the best way to understand China and its culture. Modern writers can make their readers understand their ideas, engage them in their thoughts and help them understand China from a Chinese perspective. We can see the integration of ancient literature and foreign literature in modern and contemporary Chinese literature. Lu Xun’s Call to Arms, for example, provides a realistic portrayal of Chinese society from the 1911 Revolution (the armed rebellion in 1911 that overthrew the last Qing Dynasty ruler and established the Republic of China) to the May Fourth Movement (the intellectual and sociopolitical reform movement growing out of student protests in 1919). It reveals the deep-seated social issues and profoundly analyzes and critiques the old Chinese system and the traditional stereotyped concepts, giving readers new insights into modern Chinese culture and the characteristics of the times.

The emergence of the "post-80s" literature and other new types of literature also became an important cultural phenomenon in China at the beginning of the twentieth century. After 2000, "post-80s" writing, mainly youth literature, proved quite a success in the literary market. (Author, blogger and rally driver) Han Han is one of the noted authors of this generation.

Literary works in some way reflect the writers' different understandings of the times. Their work and ideas help us understand China step by step. 

CNS: Some critics say that many literary works lose their original charm in cross-cultural translation. How did you overcome the translation bottleneck when translating modern Chinese literature?

Martin Woesler: I think that is a prejudice. Literary works do not lose their original charm in the process of cross-cultural translation. If there are no translations, then a country's literature will only have domestic readers. To make it known to the outside world, it has to be translated into English at least.

Each literary work has its own charm in one way or another. If a work of literature is attractive to foreign readers though domestic readers have a different opinion, it is a meaningful task for us to translate it into a foreign language.

However, translating a work of literature must not change its original features, it should neither add nor reduce any meaning. If a local translator cannot fully understand and appreciate it, the best person for the job would be someone who has lived abroad for many years. Generally speaking, most successful translations of literary works are done by native speakers of the language of translation. 

CNS: For a long time, the West focused more on studying classical Chinese literature than translating and studying modern and contemporary Chinese literature. Some foreign translators have even said that the West is like a desert where modern and contemporary Chinese literature is concerned. What is the reason for this vacuum?

Martin Woesler: Outside China, the situation is indeed arid where Chinese contemporary literature is concerned, which is unfair because China does have high-quality modern literature.

In Germany, non-German literature accounts for 12.5 percent of the total literature; of this, Chinese literature accounts for only 0.3 percent. Before I began my translation career, about a dozen Chinese literary works were being translated into German every year. Since my joining in, that figure has roughly doubled. I gathered a group of young Sinologists in Germany to join a translation workshop and we translate 10 books a year from Chinese into German on average. Most of them are works of literature.

Chinese literature will become popular only when China enters the international arena and its image plays a big role in that. China still has a long way to go to improve its cultural appeal, and I hope my translations will help Chinese culture go out and be known to the outside world. 

 

CNS: Has the cold shoulder given to Chinese modern literature in the West changed in recent years? What types of writings are likely to appeal to European readers?

Martin Woesler: The world of Chinese literature itself is capable of producing many high-quality books. Since the 1930s, China has seen a lot of high-quality literature. Some contemporary writers such as (Nobel laureate) Mo Yan, (popular science fiction author) Liu Cixin, Yan Lianke, Su Tong and Yu Hua are already known to Western readers. But many writers are still unknown in the West.

On the whole, for the Western readers, Chinese literature has not yet formed a stable image with its own characteristics. Chinese writers can read more foreign literature to address their shortcomings and learn from the work of other countries. For example, in the 1920s, Lu Xun was involved in cultural exchanges and translations. Through frequent cultural exchanges, his novella The True Story of Ah Q was translated into French and supported by French writer Romain Rolland.

Among the literary genres, science fiction, children's literature and Internet literature are popular among Western readers, including European readers. A study by iResearch, a consumer research service provider specializing in online audience and consumer insights in China, said Chinese Internet literature had over 80 million overseas readers in 2020, indicating the genre has great appeal for Western readers.

CNS: Your translations are renowned for their remarkable language and skill. How can translations of modern Chinese literature contribute to the cultural exchange between China and the West?

Martin Woesler: To improve cultural exchange and mutual understanding, it is also necessary to bring people together. When people of one country really get to know the people of another country, they often change their attitude toward that country. Therefore, we can, for example, strengthen partnerships between schools in China and abroad, and partnerships between cities. Also, other cultural approaches can be taken to attract foreign readers. The films made by the fifth-generation Chinese directors have greatly promoted Chinese literature in the West. Red Sorghum, Ju Dou, and Life are all films adapted from eponymous books. Films like Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet and Eat Drink Man Woman introduced the Chinese food culture, while Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon introduced the Chinese martial arts.

The best way to understand a people, a country and a culture is to read modern contemporary literature. Authors can transport readers to their inner world and engage them in their thought process so that the readers see China through the eyes of the Chinese and prejudices are eliminated. For example, when interpreting the Analects of Confucius, Roger T. Ames and Henry Rosemont Jr. analyzed it from a comparative philosophical angle, which successfully conveyed ancient Chinese philosophical ideas to the English-speaking world. 

CNS: How is the exchange between Eastern and Western literature progressing today? Do they influence each other?

Martin Woesler: The major drivers of cultural exchanges between China and the West since the twentieth century were the Western missionaries who came to China, international students and overseas Chinese immigrants and translators. The missionaries introduced classical Chinese literature to the West. (Scottish linguist) James Legge translated and published The Chinese Classics, and introduced Eastern culture, philosophies and customs to Western readers. Zhu Shenghao was one of the earliest Chinese translators of Shakespeare, and the quality and style of his translations is recognized by Shakespearean researchers at home and abroad. Guo Moruo was one of the earliest translators of Goethe.

Contemporary and modern East–West literary exchanges have not only promoted the development of Chinese literature, but also enriched world literature. The rich variety of Western literature offers more options to Chinese readers while Chinese literature has given a different perspective and experience to the West. Mo Yan was a voracious reader of foreign classics and his books portray Chinese rural culture, presenting an authentic image of China to Western readers.

Literary exchanges are increasing today. More and more Chinese literature is being translated into foreign languages and vice versa. However, the global influence of Chinese literature will increase only when the market demands more Chinese books."

#metaglossia_mundus

April 28, 2024 - by Ikenna Okonkwo

"Nigerian author Ndifreke Ukpong, known for his controversial novel “Every Woman in This Village is a Liar” and inspirational book “No Limitation to Success”, has emphasised the vital role of mother tongue in shaping identity and cultural diversity.

In a recent address, Ukpong urged parents and educators to prioritise teaching mother tongue, stressing its importance in preserving cultural heritage.

“The mother tongue is the garment of thought, and it is the language of the heart. If we lose our mother tongue, we risk losing our cultural identity and our connection to our ancestors,” Ukpong emphasised.

 

“Mother tongue, the language we learn from birth, plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, expressions, and relationships. In Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages spoken, mother tongue is essential for preserving cultural diversity.

“Research has shown that speaking one’s native language enhances cognitive development, improves academic performance, and fosters a sense of belonging. Moreover, mother tongue is a vital tool for cultural transmission, allowing communities to pass down traditions, customs, and values to future generations.”

Ukpong’s call to action resonates with educators and policymakers.

 

“By prioritising mother tongue education, we can empower future generations to embrace their cultural identities and contribute to a richer, more diverse global community,” he said.

“In addition to its cultural significance, mother tongue also has practical benefits. Studies have shown that children who learn in their native language tend to perform better academically and have better cognitive skills.

“Furthermore, mother tongue education can help preserve endangered languages and promote linguistic diversity. With many languages facing the risk of extinction, prioritizing mother tongue education can help safeguard our cultural heritage for future generations.”

Ukpong’s passionate appeal to prioritise mother tongue education serves as a timely reminder of the significance of cultural preservation.

“By embracing our native languages and promoting mother tongue studies, we can safeguard our cultural heritage and foster a more inclusive, diverse world for generations to come,” he said."

#metaglossia_mundus

"Le service d’interprétation ne sera pas interrompu en vue de la reprise des travaux de la Chambre des communes prévus lundi à Ottawa.

Le syndicat qui représente les interprètes à la Chambre des communes estime que ses membres ont obtenu une « victoire importante » pour leur santé avec une récente ordonnance émise par le Programme du travail.

L’instance fédérale chargée de faire respecter le Code canadien du travail et d'assurer la sécurité des travailleurs a ordonné au Bureau de la traduction de procéder immédiatement à la protection des personnes contre l’effet Larsen. Une exposition répétée à ce phénomène peut créer des atteintes permanentes sur la santé auditive des interprètes, a écrit l’agente de santé et sécurité Marie-Ève Bergeron à la suite d’une inspection.

Mme Bergeron a ordonné de procéder immédiatement à la protection des personnes contre ce danger.

L’Association canadienne des employés professionnels (ACEP), qui représente les interprètes, avance qu’une centaine de ses membres qui travaillent au Parlement ont subi des blessures auditives telles que des chocs acoustiques, des acouphènes et des pertes d’ouïe depuis le début de la pandémie en raison de la tenue des travaux de la Chambre des communes en mode virtuel, puis hybride.

Nous sommes très satisfaits de l’enquête qui a mené à l'ordonnance. Elle détermine que l’effet Larsen est un danger imminent au sens du Code du travail et force le Bureau de la traduction à toujours protéger les interprètes contre cette menace, sinon de suspendre l’interprétation au risque d’une amende ou, pire, de poursuites légales des employés, a affirmé le président de l’ACEP, Nathan Prier, en entrevue samedi à Radio-Canada.

L’effet Larsen est un son strident émis par un émetteur, par exemple un casque d’écoute ou un haut-parleur, placé trop près d’un récepteur, par exemple un microphone.

 

L’ACEP compte s’assurer d’imposer le respect de cette nouvelle règle. Il aura aussi à l'œil les nouvelles mesures adoptées par le Bureau de la traduction pour protéger les interprètes.

Nous ne sommes pas convaincus que ça marchera. On verra lundi.

Une citation deNathan Prier, président de l'ACEP

Du même souffle, il confie que certains membres sont réticents à l'idée de rentrer au bureau la semaine prochaine.

 

La plupart de nos membres ont eu des blessures répétées et des incidents de santé, non seulement en raison de l’effet Larsen mais aussi avec le son toxique [...]. C’est une grande victoire pour nos membres. Ils sont contents d’avoir des protections additionnelles. Ils n’ont pas besoin de quitter le domaine. Ils n’ont pas besoin de quitter comme interprètes. Ils peuvent rester dans le milieu.

Le Bureau de la présidence de la Chambre des communes a confirmé vendredi que les nouvelles mesures de protection ont reçu l’aval de l’enquêtrice du Programme du travail. Un porte-parole a indiqué que le service d’interprétation ne sera pas interrompu pour la reprise des travaux de la Chambre des communes, prévue lundi.

Le président de l’ACEP, lui, rappelle que la situation est très sérieuse.

Sans interprétation, les travaux parlementaires ne peuvent pas se poursuivre, car la Loi sur les langues officielles les oblige à se dérouler dans les deux langues officielles, souligne Nathan Prier.

Avec les informations de Camille Kasisi-Monet"

#metaglossia_mundus: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2068362/interprete-chambre-commune-interruption-evitee

 

"IQNA-Yoim Rizvan, chercheur en manuscrits coraniques et directeur du Musée de la culture islamique de Saint-Pétersbourg, a parlé lors d'une réunion de l'influence des manuscrits coraniques, de l'impression et de la traduction de ce livre sur l'histoire culturelle de la Russie, notamment en interaction avec les musulmans.

Yoim Rizvan a souligné le rôle de l'histoire des manuscrits du Coran en Russie et dans les anciennes républiques soviétiques, et a déclaré : « Selon le décret de Catherine Ier, reine de Russie, en 1787, le texte arabe complet du Coran a été imprimé pour la première fois à Saint-Pétersbourg, aux frais du gouvernement et dans un format spécial, différent de ce qui était publié en Europe.

L’ethnographie coranique est un domaine scientifique indépendant et de nombreuses recherches sont actuellement menées dans ce domaine.

L'objectif de la recherche scientifique est de fournir une compréhension plus approfondie des événements historiques liés à la montée de l'Islam, et d'examiner les éléments qui peuvent aider à interpréter les significations du Coran.

L'un des objectifs les plus importants de la recherche, dans le domaine de l'ethnographie coranique, est de fournir la base d'une nouvelle traduction du Coran, car toutes les connaissances coraniques existantes sont fondées sur les traductions et les interprétations du Coran composées plusieurs siècles après la révélation.

Une nouvelle traduction peut mettre en lumière les changements de sens et d'interprétation des mots et termes coraniques, depuis la révélation jusqu'à aujourd'hui ».

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#metaglossia_mundus

"Après avoir ravivé la douleur du nazisme, la municipalité renonce à déployer de nouvelles plaques de rues bilingues. Mais les signalétiques déjà en place ne changeront pas.

Les nouvelles plaques de rue de Colmar seront traduites en alsacien, pas en allemand

Après avoir ravivé la douleur du nazisme, la municipalité renonce à déployer de nouvelles plaques de rues bilingues. Mais les signalétiques déjà en place ne changeront pas.

Par Claire Gandanger 

Le 27 avril 2024 à 16h30

 

À l'automne 2023, une trentaine de plaques de rue écrites dans les deux langues avaient été installées dans Colmar (Haut-Rhin).

La municipalité de Colmar (Haut-Rhin) revient sur son initiative d’afficher à taille égale les noms de ses rues à la fois en français et dans leur traduction allemande sur les plaques signalétiques. Elle entendait promouvoir le bilinguisme alors que Colmar se trouve à une quinzaine de kilomètres de l’Allemagne. Mais l’apparition à l’automne 2023 d’une trentaine de plaques neuves dans les deux langues avait ravivé la douleur de la présence nazie chez les habitants les plus âgés. La société d’histoire de Colmar s’était indignée d’une telle pratique qui n’était intervenue au cours du XXe siècle qu’à l’époque de la germanisation forcée de Colmar par les nazis entre 1940 et 1945.

Devant cette polémique, un groupe de travail composé d’élus, d’acteurs culturels et d’historiens vient de décider que les plaques neuves des rues rénovées et des nouvelles rues des quartiers récents de Colmar afficheraient dorénavant une traduction plus consensuelle en dialecte alsacien.

Aviser « en fonction de l’histoire particulière de chaque rue »

« Nous donnerons la priorité à l’alsacien quand l’allemand ne se justifie pas et il n’y aura plus de nouvelle traduction en allemand », assure le maire Éric Straumann. « Mais les nouvelles signalétiques déjà en place ne changeront pas », prévient-il.

 

« Dans les quartiers historiques, certaines rues sont affichées en allemand, d’autres en français, en allemand et en alsacien », rappelle-t-il cependant. « Nous aviserons alors en fonction de l’histoire particulière de chaque rue. » Ainsi, le quartier des Maraîchers, zone d’activité constituée au Sud et à l’Est de Colmar alors que la ville était allemande après l’annexion de 1870, doit conserver ses ruelles et impasses d’appellations germaniques. Ce printemps, quatre nouvelles rues doivent recevoir un double baptême français et alsacien."

#metaglossia_mundus

"IQNA-Le président de l'Université Al-Azhar, critiquant les erreurs commises dans le domaine de la traduction, a mis en garde contre la déformation du visage de l'Islam.

Salama Daoud, président de l'Université Al-Azhar, lors de la conférence « Technologie, traduction et enseignement des langues. Perspectives et défis », a évoqué les erreurs commises dans le domaine de la traduction du Coran, qui déforment le visage de l'Islam et a déclaré : « Des lacunes dans la traduction ont amené certaines personnes à déformer l'image de l'Islam, ses règles et ses concepts ».

Le vice-président d'Al-Azhar, Mohammad Al-Dzawini, a souligné dans ses propos, que la traduction représente une voie entre les civilisations, qui a relié les nations et les cultures à différentes époques, et a déclaré : « Ces dernières années, nous avons observé un phénomène qui blesse le cœur des musulmans et tente d'affaiblir l'Islam et les musulmans, de déformer leur image et de répandre la haine envers les musulmans et tout ce qui est islamique. Ceux qui étudient ce phénomène (l’islamophobie) savent très bien que le manque de traduction et la faiblesse de la recherche ainsi que le manque de précision dans le transfert des connaissances et des idées islamiques, au monde occidental, ont provoqué un profond fossé entre les sociétés alors qu’au sommet de la grandeur de la civilisation arabo-islamique, les sciences les plus avancées et les plus complexes, étaient traduites de l’hindi, du persan et du grec, en arabe, avec la plus grande précision ».

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#metaglossia_mundus

"Sortie d’un recueil de proverbes occitans

Publié le 28/04/2024 à 05:11

La Dépêche du midi

L’Institut d’Etudes Occitanes fédère une quinzaine d’associations dans le Département du Lot. L’IEO d’Olt poursuit son travail de diffusion et de vulgarisation de la langue et de la culture occitane, avec des actions d’animation et d’édition. Vient de sortir le recueil Sagesse du Quercy, 980 proverbes recueillis par l’abbé Lacoste (1851-1924), retranscrits et commentés par Jean Rigouste.

Jean Rigouste est professeur agrégé de Lettres classiques. Il a enseigné dans divers lycées, à l’Université de Bordeaux III et à l’IUFM d’Aquitaine. Il a été chargé de mission pour les Langues Régionales au Rectorat de l’Académie de Bordeaux. Il est l’auteur de divers ouvrages en français et en langue d’oc, chroniques de toponymie et articles dans diverses revues.

 

Les 980 proverbes qu’il présente dans l’ouvrage Sagesses du Quercy, ont été recueillis par l’abbé François Lacoste et proviennent de 39 communes, principalement situées dans les méandres de la vallée du Lot, entre Luzech et Soturac, avec une prédominance de Bélaye, où le collecteur passa son enfance, et d’Anglars-Juillac, où il exerça son ministère pendant une quarantaine d’années. On peut l’imaginer notant au jour le jour ce qu’il entendait, ce que lui rapportaient des gens qui devaient connaître sa passion pour les "choses du Quercy", comme il les appelait. Le manuscrit de ce recueil de proverbes se trouve à la bibliothèque du fonds ancien de Cahors. De traditions antiques et surtout diffusés par la tradition orale, les proverbes nous renseignent parfois sur des événements historiques.

 

Ils témoignent de l’histoire des sociétés anciennes et de leurs milieux populaires. L’étude des proverbes et de leur origine intéresse les domaines des sciences humaines. Ce sont des moyens d’analyse des phénomènes sociaux et culturels. Leur intérêt pour les recherches linguistiques (formulations, vocabulaire…) est incontestable.

Toute la sagesse populaire, avec l’observation fine de la nature, de l’environnement, de la météo, des caractères humains, de la sociologie, se retrouve dans ces proverbes. Une grande partie de ces proverbes présentés dans Sagesse du Quercy sont inédits, inconnus des recueils existants et d’une exceptionnelle richesse.

Chaque proverbe est en graphie de l’auteur et en graphie normalisée occitane, suivi de sa traduction en français accompagné d’explications. La présentation de Sagesse du Quercy est à retrouver sur le site ieo-olt.org/actualitats/ onglet Edicions. Disponible dans les librairies Champollion (Figeac), Calligramme (Cahors), Des Livres et Vous (Gourdon).

"#metaglossia_mundus

"The "JESUS" film is set to hit theatres worldwide in a new animated format in December 2025, hoping to target a younger generation.

By Ellie TiemensApril 26, 2024
Animated Jesus interacts with child.
USA (MNN) — The iconic and record-breaking “JESUS” film is set to hit theatres worldwide in a new animated format in December 2025, hoping to target a younger generation engaging in new forms of media.

“JESUS (2025)” was announced in November, 2023 as the newest undertaking from the Jesus Film Project, sharing the story of the life of Jesus as found in Luke.

“There are quite a few reasons to go animated with the Jesus film, but one of them is just, with the way that the world is today, in the age of the world, we want to have a way that we can have an impact with those who are engaging in media in new ways,” Chris Deckert with the Jesus Film Project said.

The chosen format for “JESUS (2025)” is animation, a type of media that connects people of all ages and speaks to a younger generation. With the average global age being just 30 years old, Deckert sees the importance of engaging with this next generation and communicating about who Jesus is.

The original “JESUS“ film broke records as the most translated film of all time, available in over 2,100 languages. The creators of “JESUS (2025)” intend for this animated version to use the same audio from current translations, making it accessible to just as many people groups.

Scene from new animated film highlights the Scripture passage “On Earth as it is in Heaven”. Photo courtesy of Jesusfilm.org

“For every new language that we work on, we’re going to be doing the traditional Jesus film classically,” Deckert said. “All the translations will be the same. We work with our Bible translators and get straight from the Gospel of Luke most of what we have in the film. So as we translate that, we put it into the Jesus film, but all those lines then will be dropped into an animated version.”

“JESUS (2025)” will first be released in English, and shown in theatres in the United States. From there, the film will be dubbed into the top 100 world languages. The Jesus Film Project will then continue to process the film into other languages as quickly as possible.

The animated version is currently in the process of production. Deckert says it’ll be more than a year and half before it is ready to be released. In the meantime, the organization is working on fundraising and making sure that the work they’re doing is accurate.

“And so the production team, the people they’re working with, who have professional experience in animation, come from different areas that they’ve had such great quality, and they’re bringing that into this project,” Deckert said. “But we want to ensure that this is really high quality, and that it’ll be an engaging story that people connect with not only in the U.S., but in the couple thousand other languages around the world.”

Those interested in keeping up with the development of the project can visit Jesus.film or download the Jesus Film Insider app. On another app, Jesus Film, the film is available for download for free in the 2,100 languages it is translated into.

Deckert recalls a time he was able to use the app share the film with his Kenyan cab driver in the driver’s tribe’s language. The driver downloaded the film to share it with his family and realized that his own cousin was the one narrating in their language.

“So just watching God bring people together with the Gospel and connecting it to them is so easy when you can share it in their own language from anywhere in the world,” Deckert said.

Visit Jesus.film for more information on this project."

#metaglossia_mundus

"By James Folta

April 25, 2024, 1:22pm

That’s according to a recently released survey by the Society of Authors, which heard from over 800 of their members about how they’re feeling about emergent technologies and their impact on their creative work.

The Society, a UK-based trade organization that has been advising and campaigning for writers, illustrators, and literary translators for over a century, found that its members are curious but extremely wary of new generative technology.

This isn’t a universally skeptical crowd: 22% of respondents say they have used generative programs in their work, and 31% have used them for brainstorming. This number was lower than I might have guessed. Artists have always embraced the experimental possibility of new materials and tools, and that so few are using AI underscores the deep and widespread ethical and reputational concerns around this tech. In fact, the survey found that “even those respondents who were more optimistic…reiterated that ethical concerns are a primary reason to avoid the use of generative AI systems at this stage.”

There’s also the crucial factor that this tech hasn’t shown an ability to make art that is good or interesting, and has only found a fanbase amongst the worst guys you’ve ever seen.

The survey also found that AI is already cutting into people’s work. A quarter of illustrators (26%) and over a third of translators (36%) say they’ve lost work due to generative AI, and a higher percentage—37% of illustrators and 43% of translators—say the income for their work has decreased because of generative tech. It seems like this programming is already working as intended.

I’ve said before that my big concern with AI is as a labor issue. I remain deeply skeptical when the only people aggressively pushing this stuff are bosses who see creative workers as a budgetary line item that can be replaced by a cheaper widget. Companies are just keeping up with the Joneses: a lot of CEOs and Business Deciders seem desperate to avoid last place in the perpetual race to adopt whatever new thing everyone is posting about on LinkedIn.

But an AI-driven devaluation of labor fits in with a broader trend in creative work: pay is down, quotas are up, and opportunities are shrinking. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year were often framed as a fight against turning creative work in Hollywood into another Uber-esque gig job: writing and acting as precarious and part-time, joining other professions that have been increasingly reoriented to be an app-facilitated servant that can be hired and fired in an afternoon.

But the concerns are more than just material, according to the Society survey. 86% worry that AI “devalues human-made creative work” and “many highlighting biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content, worries about copyright infringement, misuse of personal data, and the exploitation of fellow creators’ works without consent or remuneration.”

By far the greatest consensus that the survey found was around the creation and regulation of this tech. We know that tech companies are massively “cutting corners” in their quest to hoover up other people’s work to feed their machines, and 94% of surveyed respondents want credit and compensation when a company takes their work, and 95% want to give consent before their work is used to build someone else’s company.

There’s also broad agreement on what should be done. 97% of respondents believe consumers deserve to know when something they’re seeing or hearing was made with AI—something like the fake images Netflix aired in their new documentary. And 95% think that governments need to “introduce safeguards and regulation to ensure compliance with these measures of consent, compensation and transparency.”

I wish I felt more optimism that government could step in and help. But if this TikTok ban that’s rocketing through Washington is any indication, elected officials and their staff might no longer think that the internet is a series of tubes, but they still have a deep naivety and credulity about the tech industry and its flaws.

The Society of Authors survey makes clear that AI is already impacting creative work—the cat’s out of the bag and it’s been generated with six ears. The companies won’t stop themselves and regulation is already well behind the ball. The only solution will be collective and grassroots.

Which is why I’m proposing a Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla strategy: we all get together and build a super-AI to fight the other AIs. It’s the only way."

#metaglossia_mundus

"The New England Translators Association (NETA) conference features esteemed speakers and valuable networking opportunities.

MultiLingual Staff

April 24, 2024

The New England Translators Association (NETA) is gearing up once again for its annual translation and interpreting conference, set to be the largest gathering of language professionals in the region.

With over 200 translators, interpreters, project managers, and other language experts expected to attend, this event promises a day filled with invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

 

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 8 am to 5 pm, the conference will be hosted in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Boston at its Campus Center. Participants can look forward to a comprehensive program designed to enrich their knowledge and skills in the field of translation and interpreting.

Registration includes breakfast and lunch. The lineup features a keynote and endnote presentation, as well as a diverse array of presentations by seasoned professionals from both the region and across the country. Additionally, an academic track led by university students and professors offers a unique perspective on the industry’s latest developments.

One of the highlights of the conference is the roster of esteemed speakers who will share their insights and expertise on a range of topics. From Miguel Jimenez-Crespo’s exploration of Translation in the Age of AI to Elena Langdon’s discussion on Advocacy in Healthcare and Community Interpreting, attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions that go into various facets of the profession.

Featured Speakers:

Miguel Jimenez-Crespo on Translation as a Profession in the Age of AI

Steeve Auguste on Artificial Intelligence in the Translation Services Industry

Javier Castillo on Introduction to Forensic Transcription and Translation

Elena Langdon on Advocacy in Healthcare and Community Interpreting*

Convington Bien-Aimé on Rendition of Interpreters and the Level of Understanding of LEP Individuals

Ozum Arzik Erzurumlu on Interpreting as Emotional Labor: Exploring the Social Carpet of Conference Interpreting*

Helen Eby on Translating and Interpreting: How do they differ? Environments, commonalities and differences, tools and resources, how we can grow as professionals*

Barbara Thimm on Writing Through Translation: Applying the Writing Process to Translating Literature

Mireya Pérezon Unleashing the Power of Personal Branding for Language Professionals

Jasarah Burgos on Bridging Language Barriers: Enhancing Family and Community Engagement through Language Access

Regina Zaragoza Frey and Alexandra Fortich on Language Access: Public Schools Leading the Way for Municipalities

Ross Perlin, author of Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York

Moreover, the conference provides ample opportunities for attendees to interact face-to-face with industry leaders, fostering the development of valuable professional connections and relationships. Whether you’re looking to expand your business contacts, stay abreast of emerging trends, or simply connect with like-minded professionals, this event offers a conducive environment for growth and collaboration.

Notably, the conference has received accreditation for continuing education credits from reputable organizations such as the American Translators Association and the Massachusetts Trial Court Office of Language Access. Sessions approved by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters offer additional credits, highlighting the event’s commitment to providing high-quality educational content.

As the translation and interpreting landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and connected is essential for professionals seeking to thrive in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us at the NETA Conference 2024 and take your career to new heights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to interact face-to-face with the most active and committed Translation and Interpreting professionals in New England, allowing you to expand your business contacts, stay updated on new developments in the field, and develop lasting professional relationships.

Mark your calendars and secure your spot today for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration."

#metaglossia_mundus

"The 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, 1-3 May, under the title "Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity".

2 May 2024

 

 

(Panel Session 5) 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

Categories

Meetings & Events / Conferences / World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue / 6th

Production Date

02 May 2024

 

Asset Language

English

Azerbaijani

Spanish

Original

Broadcasting UN Entity

DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS - DGC

Subject Topical

COOPERATION

DIALOGUE

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE

Corporate Name

UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS - UNAOC

Summary

The 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, 1-3 May, under the title "Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity".

Description

"Social Media: building bridges or walls between people and cultures?"

Key-note speaker:

Ahmad Ismayilov · Chief Executive Officer at Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA)

Moderator: Ms. Shafag Mehraliyeva, Communication and Media specialist at ADA University

 

Panelists:

● Dr. Lhoucine Rhazoui, Director of Cultural Affairs Department of Organization of Islamic Cooperation

● Mr. Fernando Lottenberg, Organization of American States' Commissioner to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism

● Amb. Sohail Mahmood, the Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI)

● Mr. Bryan J. Mayer – Advisor to the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Argentina

● Mr. Alexandru Giboi – Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) and lecturer on International Strategic Management & Crisis Management at the Università della Svizzera Italiana"

 

#metaglossia_mundus

"Writing Five SOA Alumni Longlisted for PEN Literary Awards PEN America has released the 2024 PEN literary awards longlist, which includes work by five School of the Arts alumni. The organization annually bestows over $350,000 in cash prizes to writers and translators.

PEN America has released the 2024 PEN literary awards longlist, which includes work by five School of the Arts alumni. The organization annually bestows over $350,000 in cash prizes to writers and translators. 

“Our Awards are juried by panels of esteemed, award-winning authors, editors, translators, and critics,” a statement by PEN America reads. “These authors are committed to recognizing their contemporaries, from promising debut writers to those who have had a continuous, lasting impact on the literary landscape.”

Adjunct Assistant Professor and Writing alumna Catherine Lacey ’10 was nominated for the PEN/Jean Stein book award, granted to book-length works of any genre based on their impact, merit, and originality. The prize promises a $75,000 award and will be judged this year by Álvaro Enrigue, Lupita Aquino, Michael Schaub, and Tess Taylor. 

Lacey has been nominated for her genre-bending work, Biography of X (FSG, 2022), which follows the narrator, CM, as she tries to piece together a biography of her late widow, the esteemed yet elusive X. 

Writing alumni Jinwoo Chong ’21 and Javier Fuentes ’14 were nominated for the PEN/Hemingway award for debut novel, conferred to a debut novel of “exceptional literary merit.” The $10,000 prize will be judged by Cleyvis Natera, Charlie Vázquez, and Elizabeth Crane this year. 

Chong has been nominated for his novel, Flux (Melville House, 2023), a melange of speculative fiction and crime noir following the timelines of three characters. 

Fuentes was nominated for his book, Countries of Origin (Pantheon Books, 2023), the story of an undocumented New York pastry chef who is forced to return to Spain to avoid deportation and his subsequent love affair with a young, rich man he meets on the flight back. 

Mary Jo Bang ’98 has been nominated for the PEN/Voelcker Award for poetry collection. The recipient will be awarded $5,000. This year’s judges are Diane Seuss, Natalie Scenters-Zapico, Rigoberto González, Deborah Fleming, and Writing Professor Timothy Donnelly ’98. 

Bang has been nominated for her collection, A Film In Which I Play Everyone (Graywolf Press, 2023), a collection in which the speaker is simultaneously herself and everyone she’s ever met. 

Theatre alumna Virlana Tkacz ’83 has been nominated for the PEN Award for Poetry in Translation. This prize bestows $3,000 on recipients and will be judged by Dorothy Bonett, Matthias Göritz, and Nancy Naomi Carlson.

Tkacz has been nominated for her co-translation, with Wanda Phipps, of How Fire Descends by Serhiy Zhadan (Yale University Press, 2023) from the original Ukrainian. This collection recounts the Ukrainian struggle against Russian oppression, honoring both living and dead. 

As of April 23, 2024, PEN America has canceled its awards ceremony due to the withdrawal of over half of this year’s nominees––a list which includes Lacey, who is among nine out of ten nominees who have declined the Jean Stein book award––citing PEN America’s lack of response to the war in Gaza. 

Jean Stein, the writer after whom the Jean Stein Award was named and whose foundation supplies the hefty $75,000 award, was a “passionate advocate for Palestinian rights.” The funding agency has requested that PEN donate the unawarded $75,000 to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. 

Many of those who withdrew or declined awards described the organization’s “failure to protect” Palestinian writers in Gaza. PEN’s stance has been widely disparaged by members of the literary community, who have drafted an open letter calling for the resignation of the organization’s CEO, Suzanne Nossel as well as the president, Jennifer Finney Boylan, and the entire executive committee. 

“We respect their decision and we will celebrate these writers in other ways,” said Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, a PEN literary programming supervisor. "

#metaglossia_mundus

"Fri, April 26, 2024 at 3:26 p.m. GMT+1·4 min read

The innovative AI-powered mobile calling app further boasts real-time speech translation capabilities, empowering users to call globally like a local in their native languages.

SAN JOSE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 26, 2024 / AI Phone, the leading generative AI-powered mobile application for enhanced phone calls, today announced a major update that expands its real-time phone translation capabilities to 91 languages and dialects, far surpassing other solutions on the market. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24's Live Translate for phone calls supports only 13 languages upon release.

Additionally, AI Phone's speech-to-text feature now supports 133 languages. It also excels in recognizing dialects for phone voice recognition, supporting up to 14 dialects of Arabic, 22 dialects of Spanish, and 15 English dialects and accents.

 

This significant advancement empowers users to overcome language barriers and connect seamlessly worldwide, fostering a more inclusive and globalized communication experience. By fine-tuning LLM for phone call scenarios and contexts, the translation accuracy has reached 98%, far surpassing that of ordinary text translation techniques.

AI Phone app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more about AI Phone's suite of features and unlock a world of effortless communication at aiphone.ai.

Bridging the Gap: Effortless Communication Across Languages

As the first app to truly apply AI large models to the field of real-time phone translation, AI Phone leverages the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize phone calls. The app provides a comprehensive suite of features, including real-time call translation in both texts and speech, live call captioning, AI-powered call summaries, and comprehensive transcriptions. This recent update focuses on real-time translation, removing the frustration of language barriers for a wider range of users.

"We are thrilled to expand our real-time call translation capabilities to more languages," said Rachel Davis, Senior Public Relations and Communication Manager at AI Phone. "This update reflects our commitment to making communication accessible and fostering connections across borders. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter, a business professional navigating international partnerships, or someone simply wanting to connect with loved ones who speak another language, AI Phone empowers you to have clear and effortless conversations."

Addressing Communication Challenges in Diverse Scenarios

AI Phone's real-time translation addresses communication challenges in a variety of scenarios:

Global Travel: Effortlessly navigate conversations with locals, ask for directions, or order food with confidence, regardless of the language spoken.

Cross-Border Business Trips: Facilitate smooth communication during conference calls, or casual conversations with international colleagues.

Multinational Company Collaboration: Bridge communication gaps within diverse teams, fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment.

Non-Native Speakers: Stay connected with family and friends who speak a different language, or confidently conduct business calls in your non-native tongue. International students can also benefit by overcoming language hurdles while adapting to a new environment.

Why Choose AI Phone?

AI Phone prioritizes user experience. The app boasts a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all technical backgrounds to access its powerful features. With a few taps, you can activate real-time translation and enjoy seamless communication across language barriers.

AI Phone also stands out with its unique combination of features and benefits:

Cost-Effective: Affordable subscription plans make AI Phone's powerful features accessible to everyone. Compared to traditional human interpretation solutions, it saves over 99% of the cost.

Multi-System Compatibility: The app seamlessly integrates with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring everyone has access to this innovative technology.

All-in-One Functionality: Eliminate the need to juggle multiple apps or devices. AI Phone provides a comprehensive suite of features within one user-friendly platform.

The Future of Telephone Communication

AI Phone represents the future of phone calls. By harnessing the power of AI, the app transforms traditional phone calls into a more inclusive and efficient communication tool. "We are dedicated to continuous development, adding even more languages in the future, and exploring new ways to leverage AI to enhance the phone call experience for everyone," Rachel Davis added.

Experience the future of communication by downloading AI Phone for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit aiphone.ai for more information.

About AI Phone

AI Phone is a generative AI-powered mobile application that empowers users to have clear and effortless phone calls through a suite of AI-powered features, including real-time call translation, call transcriptions with highlighted notes, and AI call summaries. AI Phone is committed to making communication smarter and fostering connections across borders. For more information, please visit aiphone.ai.

Media Contact

Company: AI Phone
Contact name: Rachel Davis
Email: press@aiphone.ai
Website: aiphone.ai
City and Country: San Jose, USA
+1(408)905-8123

SOURCE: AI Phone"

#metaglossia_mundus

"Literary translator and critic Vitaly Chernetsky and Ukrainian poet and translator Iryna Shuvalova have won the American Association for Ukrainian Studies (AAUS) Translation Prize for their translation of “The Winter King”, a poetry collection by Ostap Slyvynsky.

26.04.2024

Literary translator and critic Vitaly Chernetsky and Ukrainian poet and translator Iryna Shuvalova have won the American Association for Ukrainian Studies (AAUS) Translation Prize for their translation of “The Winter King”, a poetry collection by Ostap Slyvynsky, as announced by the author on his Facebook page.

 

 

“They say Vitaly Chernetsky and Iryna Shuvalova have just received the AAUS Translation Prize for their translation of this book. Congratulations to both of them!” Ostap Slyvynsky wrote.

 

 

Oksana Maksymchuk, jury member, translator and 2023 AAUS laureate said that the jury described the translations by Vitaly Chernetsky and Iryna Shuvalova as “balanced and musical interpretations of skillfully crafted originals. Delicate and detailed, they possess a wonderful balance between accuracy of interpretation and poetic virtuosity.”

 

 

The jury has also honoured the anthology “Babyn Yar: Ukrainian Poets Respond” by John Hennessy and Ostap Kin.

 

 

“This book is powerful, fascinating. Elegant and convincing translations bring to life the diverse and heterogeneous voices, conveying their roughness and dark intensity,” the jury noted.

 

 

“The Winter King” is a poetry collection by Ostap Slyvynsky published in Ukraine in 2018. Vitaly Chernetsky and Iryna Shuvalova translated it for a contemporary Ukrainian poetry series by Lost Horse Press.

 

Vitaly Chernetsky is an American Slavic scholar, literary critic, and translator of Ukrainian literature into English. Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Kansas.

 

Iryna Shuvalova is a poet and researcher from Kyiv, Ukraine, residing in Oslo. She is the author of five award-winning poetry collections.

 

American Association for Ukrainian Studies, AAUS, is an educational organization founded in 1989 to share knowledge about Ukraine, popularizing Ukrainian studies, creating resources for building the scientific advancement of its members, and making the organization’s intellectual resources available to the media and the public.

 

The members of the organization are scholars, doctoral studies students, and undergraduates, primarily from the United States and Canada, as well as individual members from Europe, including Ukraine. The Association is affiliated with the International Association of Ukrainian Studies, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), and the Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN).

Translation: Iryna Saviuk
Copy editing: Jared Goyette"

#metaglossia_mundus

"‘Shōgun’ is a refreshing reminder that in a time where the power of the ‘one-inch tall barrier’ still seems distastefully under contention, sometimes you need to revive the literal Tokugawa Shōgunate to bridge the cumbersome gap between worlds

April 26, 2024 11:27 am | Updated 04:37 pm IST

AYAAN PAUL CHOWDHURY

 

A still from ‘Shōgun’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In its grand finale, FX’s captivating rendition of James Clavell’s historical epic Shōgun gracefully bows out with a rendezvous with mortality.

“Please split your belly open by sunset,” and “Have a good death” echo some of what we hear with the casualness of a tea sip. Yet, to truly grasp the weight of seppuku’s socio-historical significance, honour the richness of its source material, and deftly navigate the intricacies of translation, the series stands alone in its unparalleled achievement. Shōgun employs a three-pronged approach, replete with cross-cultural exchanges, verbal fencing, and the delicate dance of understanding in an era poised on the precipice of profound change..."

#metaglossia_mundus