Panel Discussion: Contemporary Arabic Literature and Literary Translation

This panel will discuss contemporary Arabic literature and literary translation published in the last dozen years, particularly following the onset of the ‘Arab Spring’. Distinguished international writers, translators and researchers within the Arabic literary (translation) field will discuss and reflect on recent developments as well as publishing trends and practices. The panel will situate these developments within the changing socio-cultural and political contexts of the Arab world and reflect on the extent to which these contexts and events have affected the production, distribution and reception of Arabic literature in translation. The panel will also examine some of the recently published translated Arabic literature, survey its predominant contemporary narratives and showcase their own recent award-winning novels, plays and research projects. Additionally, the speakers will share their inspirations and motivations as well as discuss the social, cultural and political contexts informing their particular work. Panel members will also discuss their writing experience, the challenges they face and the reception of their work in the Arab and Western worlds.

Chair

Dr Hanem El-Farahaty (Associate Professor of Arabic Translation and Interpreting, University of Leeds and BRISMES Council Member)

Discussant

Dr Abdel-Wahab Khalifa (Lecturer in Translation and Interpreting, Cardiff University)

Speakers

• Dr Leila Aboulela (Fiction Writer, Essayist, Playwright)
• Prof Reem Bassiouney (Professor of Linguistics, American University in Cairo)
• Alice Guthrie (Translator, Editor, Curator)
• Prof Wen-chin Ouyang (Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature, SOAS University of London)
• Yussef El Guindi (Playwright)