Synopsis

What makes a translation come alive? How can words cross between worlds? In this interactive masterclass, the author, poet, translator, and teacher Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma will guide participants through four key aspects of literary translation: clarity, tone, structure, and completeness. Bring one or two pages of something you’re currently translating or would like to translate and a willingness to stretch your imagination! Through group discussion, mini lectures, and hands-on experimentation, you will deepen your knowledge of both the artistic and practical dimensions of literary translation and come away inspired by new perspectives and possibilities.

(This masterclass is part of a series of programmes under the SBC Translator Residency conducted by Thomas Hitorshi Pruiksma.)

 

Programme Details

Date: 24 September 2023, Sunday

Time: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

Venue: SBC Training Room, Goodman Arts Centre, Blk E, #03-32

(Lunch and tea will be provided.)

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of the masterclass, participants will be able to:

    • Identify which aspects of any particular work they most wish to convey, understanding how clarity about those aspects can help guide the larger process of translation.
    • Deal adroitly with the question of tone in English with an understanding of the often overlooked historical and structural factors involved.
    • Orient their work toward larger structures such as phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs to give their translation greater consistency and flow.
    • Determine for any particular work those factors which lead to a complete and fully integrated translation able to shine on its own.
    • Navigate both the professional demands of publishing and the artistic and cultural contexts to which their translation will pertain.

 

Programme Itinerary

  • Introductions
  • The first aspect: CLARITY
  • The second aspect: TONE
  • The business of translation
  • The third aspect: STRUCTURE
  • The fourth aspect: COMPLETENESS
  • Guided translation exercise*
  • Closing Review

Do prepare one or two pages of something you’re currently translating or would like to translate to the masterclass. The masterclass will focus on translations into English, and there are no restrictions on the source language.

 

Registration

Participants are required to

  • submit their choice text of what they would like to work on during the masterclass
  • share why they would like to attend the masterclass
  • share what they hope to gain from the masterclass

Please note that we have limited spaces available, so participation will be confirmed on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

BACK TO SBC TRANSLATOR RESIDENCY PROGRAMMES

Cancellation:

The masterclass can be cancelled or postponed two weeks before the workshop date if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Upon registration, you are deemed to have read and understood the terms and conditions and cancellation policy and accept the terms contained therein.

For enquiries, please email [email protected]