Atenao

A new internationally orientated school of literary translation.

Home » A new internationally orientated school of literary translation.

Last April “Le Centre National du Livre” (National Book Centre), launched a new experimental training programme for young French and foreign literary translators, who have already had one of their translations published. The objective of the course is to develop their translation skills as opposed to their language skills.

Up until 23rd June, fifteen candidates will participate each Saturday in the course based in Paris, which is distinguished by a new pedagogical approach. Olivier Mannoni, president of the Association of French Literary Translators is the department manager.

“Inter-language” education.

Using methods considered innovative, classes are divided into two stages. In the morning practical exchanges with the professional publishing world (translators, editors, lawyers, rights managers...) will be held to introduce students to their future professional environment. In the afternoon students can expect a combination of translating texts, various different language combinations and culture study. Organised by experienced literary translators, this collective approach aims to develop literary translation techniques. All book genres and text types (thriller, drama, poetry...) will be discussed.

After this first experimental session, the school will definitely be launched in September and will offer a two-year course.

Meeting the demands of professionals

This project follows discussions held for years by the National Book Centre, the Association of French Literary Translators and the publishing world. It aims to meet the needs of publishers in search of experienced professional translators specialising in rare language combinations, and literary translation professionals, hoping to pass the baton and pass on their skills.