Imagine you’re wandering the MLB, disoriented, entirely unsure which side of the building you’re on. You pass a posting board, and among flyers advertising an upcoming improv show and a meet-and-greet with that guy who plays a violin in a wolf mask around town, you see a colorful array of papers encouraging participation in an assortment of translation-related contests. You think to yourself, “But I don’t know a second language!” Or, “Eh, I don’t have much experience translating. What if I suck?” Worry not! If you are an undergraduate, and you possess even the slightest interest in translation, there is something for you, and we are eager to see your work. This fall, the Department of Comparative Literature is offering three contests:
Theme Semester Video Contest: Where in your world do you see translation?
Answer the title question “Where in your world do you see translation?” in the form of a creative 1-3 minute video. The finalists will be posted on the Theme Semester’s website, and your peers will vote for their favorite. Fame and riches (specifically, $250 in the form of a gift card) will be bestowed upon the winner. Click here for details.
CEATL, the European Council of Literary Translators’ Association, launched a similar video contest called “Spot the Translator” in which entrants were asked to “make translation visible.” The winning video, submitted by Origami Videography, is short and sweet (and quite cute), and is saturated with a clear and objectively true message: “Texts don’t translate themselves.” Translators, despite acting somewhat behind-the-scenes, are very much at large in this world, and are absolutely indispensable. As it turns out, the video succeeds in making translation visible by featuring an entirely “invisible” translator throughout. May this serve as inspiration for your own video projects:
The Comparative Literature Prize in Literary Translation
Translate no more than 10 pages from any literary genre into English, and include a short preface explaining your translation process. Maybe you’re working on a translation for a class, or have dabbled in translation for mere kicks and giggles, or would like to try it out but haven’t had the motivation until now, when presented with the prospect of a $100 prize. Regardless, we want to see your best work. Rules and details can be found here.
Translate a Poem into Another Medium
Translating poetry is challenging. It can be frustrating (though also rewarding). It can be painful, and the idea of it may make your bowels quiver with terror. But even, and perhaps especially, if you’re intimidated by the idea of translating poetry, remember: translation is not limited to the realm of written words. Take a poem—any poem!—and “translate” it into another medium, such as a dance, song, art piece, or maybe a festive macaroni ornament for your mom or your favorite professor. Along with your submission, you’ll need to explain why you selected your particular poem, as well as justify your “translation”. First prize will be awarded $100. For official rules, more details, and the entry form, click here.
All submissions are due November 26th, 2012, and the prizes will be awarded at the Translation Theme Semester Showcase at North Quad on December 10, 2012. Happy translating!
