Frankfurt, Germany, October 20, 2023 - The inaugural Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF), held in January in Chennai, has ignited a surge of interest in translating Tamil literary works into a multitude of foreign languages. These languages include Polish, Norwegian, Arabic, Slovak, Hungarian, Italian, Welsh, English, Icelandic, Filipino, Lithuanian, Spanish, and French, and this vibrant diversity is currently on display at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany.
Perumal Murugan's literary creations, with a record number of translations, have played a pivotal role in this burgeoning trend. His works are now set to be translated into Amharic, an Ethiopian language, and Icelandic.
Elambaghwath, Director of Public Libraries, who is leading a team at the Frankfurt Book Fair, expressed, "The diverse range of countries and languages we have interacted with is a testament to the global appeal of Tamil literature. Each of these interactions has presented us with potential translation opportunities in their respective languages." He also emphasized the enthusiasm surrounding Tamil literary heritage and the pioneering initiative, "One Thought, One World: Uniting Through Translation." Elambaghwath further noted, "Our live translation sessions and the game, 'TransLingual Tales,' have been the highlights, garnering significant attention."
Delegates from various countries, including Italy and Lithuania, have shown a keen interest in the Tamil Nadu Translation Grant and the fellowship program announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during CIBF-2023.
Kannan Sundaram of Kalachuvadu revealed that his publication has successfully sold the rights of Tamil books to several minor languages, such as Icelandic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Slovak, and Amharic. He particularly highlighted the sales of rights to Azerbaijan and Armenia facilitated by CIBF-23. While the financial benefits of these translations remain uncertain, Mr. Sundaram stressed that the joy of translating Tamil works into these languages would be rewarding compensation.
Notably, Perumal Murugan's "Pookuli" is currently undergoing translation into Amharic and Italian, while "Poonachi" is being translated into Italian, Icelandic, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Arabic. Additional works like "One Part Woman" (Mathorubhagan), "A Lonely Harvest," "Trial by Silence," and "Current Show" are in the process of being translated into Italian, French, and Zagreb (Croatian).
Kannan Sundaram expressed his excitement about this development and stated, "It is a matter of great excitement. Perumal Murugan will break the glass ceiling for other Tamil writers." Furthermore, Sundara Ramaswamy's "Oru Puliyamarathin Kathai" (The Tale of a Tamarind Tree) has already been translated into Slovak.
In a promising development, the works of Tamil writers, including Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, and M. Karunanidhi, and nationalized books, are also set to be translated into various European languages. This list includes prominent figures such as Bharathi, Bharathidasan, Pudhumaipithan, Ki. Rajanarayanan, Ku. Alagirisamy, T. Janakiraman, Jayakanthan, Rajam Krishnan, Kannadasan, Prabhanjan, Erode Tamilanban, Abdul Rahman, Meththa, Vairamuthu, S. Ramakrishnan, Ambai, Thoppil Mohammed Meeran, and Imayam.
T.S. Saravanan, Joint Director (Translation) at Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, confirmed that the Tamil Nadu government would grant funding to these publishers as previously announced. Furthermore, fellowship opportunities are extended to international authors, publishers, and literary agents from foreign countries to participate in CIBF-2024, scheduled from January 16 to 18 at the Chennai Trade Centre.
