2021 in review

Nearly 250 translation enthusiasts based in 20 countries across the world took part in Bristol Translates Literary Translation Summer School 2021, hosted by the School of Modern Languages in July 2021.

Three days of translation workshops were followed by panel discussions involving publishers and editors, advice on how to pitch translation projects, and a keynote lecture by International Booker winner George Szirtes.

The summer school was held online, with small-group work happening in eleven languages, ranging from French, German and Spanish to smaller languages such as Catalan and Czech. The team of tutors included many of the best-known translators from their respective languages into English.

Fourteen full bursaries were awarded, including two to refugee translators, thanks to a generous donation by a recently qualified UK-based translator. Nine institutional sponsors helped make the event a success, and we are very grateful for their support.

To hear more from a participant, visit Lucy Webster at Rustrans. Find out more from one of the tutors, visit Nicky Harman at the Asian Books Blog. And to keep up to date with information on next year’s event and related translation news, follow us on Twitter.

By far one of the most inspiring things I've done recently!

All absolutely excellent in every respect. The pace was pretty full-on but the time flew by. The teaching we received was genuinely first-class and the members of my group were an absolute pleasure to spend time with. More of the same would be perfect!

Bristol Translates has been the highlight of my summer.