Translation Lab

translation is a fundamental human activity that occurs between languages, cultures, and forms of expression. Without translation, even the most erudite readers would have limited acquaintance with other cultures. CILAS translation lab invites anyone interested in exploring the multiple aspects of translation in a welcoming and instructive environment by approaching its full complexity as art and craft. CILAS invites students and alunmi interested in translating texts related to their studies and interests to join the lab. The purpose of the lab is to acquaint participants with the recurring questions, problems, and pleasures of the activity of translation. The primary focus of the workshop is to produce manuscripts ready for publication. If of sufficient quality, the resulting translations will be published on CILAS website.

The lab consists of group sessions and sessions dedicated to individual work. Weekly discussions around the work in progress allow the group to explore the microcosm of each text, as well as the wider issues of translation practice. Lab participants will explore in depth all elements of the text, from cultural nuances and historical context to linguistic concerns and punctuation. They will learn the basic tips for producing fine translations through weekly exercises and will gain experience through working on a collective translation along with their individual projects. This means that this lab combines roundtable discussions of general difficulties in translation with a survey of the academic field of translation studies. Topics include the task of translators and the ethics of translation.