KUWAIT: The 46th Kuwait International Book Fair discussed within its cultural activities the topic, ‘Translation Between Theory and Practice’ during a symposium that was held at the Culture Gallery on the sidelines of the book fair which continues until Dec 2.

Well-known Syrian translator and writer Ahed Sabiha, participating in the symposium said, translation plays a fundamental role in connecting civilizations and cultures. He cited the interconnections between the Greek and Arab civilizations. “This is evident in even modern Western civilizations,” he said. Sabiha said, “The language changes with time and that the translated text is lost between the two languages. It is a dynamic language that I learned,” he said.

“From experience and reading,” he said if one has to work in the field of translation, one needs to be an avid reader. A good translator is one who translates the text literally and not in spirit, pointing out that “in translation there are no theories because it is considered a relationship between two languages.”

It is noteworthy that Sabiha is a Syrian translator and writer licensed in English Language and Literature from the University of Damascus. He wrote articles and screenplays, translated dozens of articles into Syrian and Arab newspapers and magazines. He translated a number of books into Arabic as well. He also runs a workshop for training in literary translation and qualifying translators. – KUNA