The Mashtots Publishing House’s School of Translation continues to serve as a platform for intellectuals who not only possess profound literary expertise but also generously share their vision and experience with the next generation.
Our guest this time was Ashot Aleksanyan, a poet, literary scholar, essayist, translator, and member of the Writers’ Union of Armenia. The topic of his lecture was: ‘The Art and Technique of Translation’.
Drawing on his extensive professional experience, Aleksanyan discussed the complexities and responsibilities of translation, the challenges that translators face, and how to overcome them.
The conversation also explored the unique challenges of translating the works of literary giants such as Robert Musil, Hermann Hesse, Robert Walser, and others. Each author provided an entry point for broader discussions on preserving literary style, conveying emotional depth and navigating the cultural and linguistic layers embedded in texts.
“Translation is both physically and intellectually demanding work,” Aleksanyan noted, emphasising the dual role of the translator as a creative artist and a cultural bridge-builder. He encouraged the students to read widely, explore linguistic and cultural nuances, and constantly cultivate their creative thinking.
The lecture was accompanied by a selection of poetry readings. Aleksanyan presented his Armenian translations of Gottfried Benn’s ” The Survivors ” and Gabriele d’Annunzio’s “O, Waning Crescent of the Pale Moon “ and “In Vain Are Prayer and Sacrifice,” enabling the audience to appreciate the emotional and stylistic depth of the original texts in translation to Armenian.
As a sign of support and appreciation, Aleksanyan donated copies of his authored and translated works to the School library, further enriching its educational resources.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr Aleksanyan for sharing his literary insights and professional experience, as well as his unwavering commitment to literature and translation.
