Current issues of professional literary translation: panel discussion at YSU

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has initiated the publication of a series of Armenian translations of books by philosophers, sociologists and culturalists of the 20th century.

During the panel discussion Eznik Mirzoyan, Director of the Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library of YSU, speaking about the results of the questionnaires conducted among students, mentioned that the lack of professional literature in Armenian was pointed out as a main problem. The library director offered the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to discuss the Armenian translation of course books.

Referring to the topics chosen to be translated into Armenian, E. Mirzoyan emphasized, "For business purposes, the publishing houses mainly prefer to translate fiction books, as a result of which Armenian translation of educational and scientific literature is pushed to the background. We welcome the Armenian translation of educational and scientific literature within the framework of charity programs since it is highly demanded in educational institutes. Thanks to bringing such programs to life we will have tangible results in some years."

Harutyun Vermishyan, Head of the Chair of Theory and History of Sociology, YSU, Associate professor emphasized the importance of the availability of translations of new professional literature for increasing the effectiveness of educational process. The head of the Chair also noted that translations are "symbolic capitals" that provide an opportunity to express and think in Armenian.

Razmik Panossian, Director of the Armenian Communities Department of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, speaking about the advantages of translated literature, noted it is through translation that the language is developing and is enriched. In this context, art critic and translator Nazareth Karoyan presented his experience in the translation field, emphasizing that Armenian Language, being a rich language, has many words that have not been used for centuries or had limited usage. However, those words that have not been used for years may be used in translations within the framework of modern thinking, thus revaluing the use of such words.

It should be noted that within the framework of the "Calouste Gulbenkian Translation Series" program Armenian translations of the works of seven authors were published, the three of which have already been discussed in the YSU Faculties of Sociology, Philosophy and Psychology.