What is Women in Translation Month?

Each August, Women in Translation Month highlights books written by women in languages other than English and draws attention to the role translation plays in connecting readers with voices from around the world.

Established in 2014 by Meytal Radzinski, the initiative was launched to increase awareness of the underrepresentation of women writers in translated literature. It has since grown into an international campaign encouraging readers, publishers, booksellers and libraries to champion translated works by women authors.
 

What does Women in Translation Month mean for linguists?

For linguists, the month provides an opportunity to recognise both the authors whose work is being showcased and the translators who make that work accessible to new audiences. Every translated book represents a process of careful linguistic and cultural mediation, requiring skill, judgement and subject knowledge.

Translators allow readers to engage with literature from a wide range of countries, cultures and traditions. They broaden access to ideas, experiences and perspectives that might otherwise simply never be made available to those who do not read the source language.

A celebration of authors and professional translators

Women in Translation Month is therefore not only a celebration of authors but also a reminder of the enormous value that professional translators bring to cultural exchange and international understanding.

Reading suggestions

This year, readers may wish to explore some works from different linguistic traditions and recognise the translators whose expertise helps those voices reach a wider audience. Here are some suggestions from the CIOL Team:

Han Kang (Korean)
The Vegetarian or Human Acts
Translated by Deborah Smith

Elena Ferrante (Italian)
My Brilliant Friend
Translated by Ann Goldstein

Samanta Schweblin (Spanish, Argentina)
Fever Dream
Translated by Megan McDowell

Tove Jansson (Swedish, Finland)
The Summer Book
Translated by Thomas Teal

Yoko Ogawa (Japanese)
The Memory Police
Translated by Stephen Snyder 

Hiromi Kawakami (Japanese)
Strange Weather in Tokyo
Translated by Allison Markin Powell

Laura Esquivel (Spanish, Mexico)
Like Water for Chocolate
Translated by Carol and Thomas Christensen

Isabel Allende (Spanish, Chile)
The House of the Spirits
Translated by Magda Bogin

Marguerite Duras (French)
The Lover
Translated by Barbara Bray

Marjane Satrapi (French/Persian)
Persepolis
Translated by Mattias Ripa

Find out more about Women in Translation