Translation was discussed — both as activism and in addition to activism — in one of many well-attended Literary Translation Centre sessions, Translator as Activism: From Politics to Cultural Change, How Translators Are Changing the World Through Their Work.

Erica Jarnes, who manages the Writers in Translation program at English PEN, and Kadija (George) Sesay, poet and publisher of SABLE LitMag among other activities, discussed translation with moderator Chris Gribble, Chief Executive of Writers’ Centre Norwich.

Translators, said Jarnes, “are involved with all work that English PEN does. We’re a writer’s organization. Translators are writers, of course, and are key to lots of the work we do.”

PEN writers all over the world are often at risk from violence. Translators play an essential role in raising awareness of their plight.

Jarnes gave the example of Cameroonian author Enoh Meyomesse, whose poetry was translated and published while he was in prison with the help of PEN translators. When he was released he said that knowing his poems were being read outside Cameroon helped him feel he was being supported.

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