Exploring the Intersection of Translation and Literary Creation
The Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) recently hosted a significant scientific meeting in Rabat that focused on the intricate relationship between translation and literary creation in the Amazigh language. The event, aptly titled "From Translation to Literary Creation in Amazigh," coincided with the annual observance of International Translation Day, celebrated every September 30. Organized by IRCAM's Center for Translation, Documentation, Publishing, and Communication, this gathering was part of the Institute's ongoing efforts to promote Amazigh culture and support various initiatives related to both national and international commemorative days.
Translation as a Catalyst for Creative Expression
During the event, Salima El Koulali, a prominent researcher at IRCAM, delivered a presentation titled "Translation and Literary Creation: What is the Relationship?" She emphasized the historical significance of translation in Morocco, noting the Kingdom's geographical position and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its history. El Koulali posited that this rich plurality has fostered an environment conducive to creative expression, enabling numerous authors and translators to enrich the national literary heritage through both translations and original works. Moreover, she highlighted the unique role of translators, whom she views as "living memories." Through their engagement with various texts and immersion in different authors' worlds, these translators develop experiences that can significantly inform their own literary creations.
El Koulali also articulated that the translation process involves a deconstruction and reconstruction of texts, which allows translators to gain a deeper command of language and expressive techniques. She firmly believes that reading plays a crucial role in enhancing a writer's creative capacities, where mastery of language and the choice of expression are vital elements of literary work. Consequently, translation provides professionals with the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and broaden their linguistic repertoire, which can later be harnessed in personal writing endeavors, ultimately contributing to the development of a unique literary voice.
Further exploring this theme, translator and novelist Rahou Mizian shared insights from his own experience in a talk entitled "From Translator to Novelist: Translation as a Laboratory for Amazigh Narrative." Mizian expressed that translation transcends mere word-for-word conversion between languages; it also involves the transfer of cultural and narrative universes into new contexts, a process he refers to as "conscious cultural appropriation." This practice equips translators with various writing techniques and mechanisms that they can reinvest in their own literary works. Thus, translation not only enhances the fluidity of ideas but also cultivates the narrative skills essential for literary creation.
Mizian noted that the paths of translation and literary creation are often intertwined, with some translators becoming authors and vice versa. For him, translation serves as a genuine "laboratory" where one can experiment with different writing techniques while also deepening their mastery of the language and gradually constructing a personal language style that can be utilized in their narrative works. The meeting was attended by El Houssaïn El Moujahid, the Secretary General of IRCAM, alongside numerous researchers and specialists in Amazigh culture. In addition to the scientific discussions, an exhibition was held showcasing books dedicated to translation and various publications translated from or into Amazigh. This initiative highlighted the diversity of works related to translation and its contribution to the growth of Amazigh literary creation.
As reported by lebrief.ma.
