Arabic Literature: Challenges for Translation

Abstract

In recent years, Arabic literature has made tangible progress into acceptance as part of world literature, due largely to translation. This border-crossing process is not, however, without limitations and challenges. This panel sheds light upon the process of translating Arabic literature into other languages in general and into English in particular. It first aims to present a brief history of translation from Arabic into other languages, together with significant milestones that accompanied this process. It then explores the challenges faced by the Arabic literature in its translation journey, starting from the selection process and factors that govern it, through the translation strategies and then the publication and distribution processes.