The 2nd Translation Day of the Paris Book Fair

For the second time at the Paris Book Fair, there will be an entire day of discussions devoted to translators and translation, a crucial but often neglected profession. All book trade players are invited to share their experiences and talk about the advantages, problems and developments and identify the changes needed.

What is the purpose of the Meetings of the Translation ?

The Translation Day is different from the existing conferences and forums because it is focused on the profession, the sector’s economy and is open to the entire publishing industry. Entitled The role of the translator in a thriving sector, this first forum is intended to bring together everyone involved in the publishing of translated works and in defending translators’ interests so that the profession is given the recognition is deserves. The discussions will address a wide range of issues to involve and raise the awareness of the entire book trade, with the aim of identifying the most acute problems and suggesting avenues for thought and action to be taken before the next forum in 2012.

Why hold a Translation Day ?

Given that 40% of new works of literature published each year in France are translations, we felt it was important for the Salon du Livre to turn the spotlight on the translation sector.. The Paris Book Fair is the logical place to do so, because it is France’s leading book fair and the most high-profile; because it covers the entire publishing chain; and above all because it specifically promotes international literature in translation, with the focus on one or more guest countries or regions each year. This year the Nordic countries and Buenos Aires will be centre stage, and many of their writers will be participating. The Paris Book Fair is keen to expand its professional programme, which already includes an agents’ area, the SCELF rights market and the digital publishing conference, by providing opportunities for interprofessional dialogue and exchange. This is why the Translation Day is held on the day before the fair opens, as with similar events at other book fairs such as Frankfurt.

Contact

Information : Juliette Joste juliettejoste@orange.fr
Registration : Mathilde Pitois mathilde.pitois@reedexpo.fr