Neptun, translation time

The colloquium “Priorities and strategies,” organised by the Romanian Writers’ Union in Neptun between July 10-12, raised some incisive problems: promoting Romanian literature is no longer the problem of foreign readers but the problem of translators who must entice the readers. All present here, 30 translators from around the world spoke against the lack of a special institution that will act as central command for Romanian literature. “Romanian’s best export item is culture” (Laurentiu Ulici).

They decided that a committee will be instituted that will present the project to the authorities. This common issue caused many debates due to the different opinions of the translators. Ion Milos (writer and translator between Romanian and Swedish of Romanian poetry) criticised the fact that “novels translated into Romanian are being launched with honours in Bucharest, but the translation of a good Romanian book into another language passes unnoticed.” Ileana Ursu (translated Eminescu into the Serbian language) shared her idealistic vision.

She spoke of the impulse to translate – an act of cleansing. “Translating among friends is a dangerous thing for both cultures and I have the feeling this happens rather often. Romanian literature is entitled to better translations.” The first day was dedicated to Romanian translations within the German space – “In Germany things are moving around a bit” (L. Ulici). Even though German publishing houses are only issuing 7% literature – the rest is commercial. Christian Schenk, Radu Barbulescu, Johann Lippet and Horst Samson showed what it means to do something right.

They proposed grants for translators and even travels for documentation. Marin Mincu, Marco Cugno (Italy), Eugen Uricaru, Dan Shafran (Suede), Luciano Maia (Brazil) attended the discussions. Laurentiu Ulici’s conclusion was realistic and it hurt: “With regard to the promotion of Romanian literature abroad – we are somewhere below the basis.” The manifestation also features singing, dancing, reciting from Eminescu and long walks by the sea. It is a great place for a good translation.