Translation as Activism I: Solidarity, War, and Resistance in Contemporary Eastern Europe

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

This year marks the third tragic anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that has reshaped countless lives and mobilized people worldwide in response. As millions of Ukrainians flee devastation and many Russians and Belarusians escape oppressive regimes and forced mobilization, activism has taken on diverse forms—one of the most crucial being translation. Translators play a vital role in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, amplifying the voices of those affected by war, and shedding light on experiences of displacement, trauma, and resistance. This roundtable explores translation as activism, highlighting its power in raising awareness and fostering cross-border solidarity. The present roundtable aims to explore the various approaches literary translators have taken to deliver timely translations of works currently being produced in the region, provide access to perspectives from these countries to a broader audience, and sustain one of the many forms of peace efforts. It is crucial to ensure and maintain an uninterrupted flow of information and personal narratives between the region in crisis and the rest of the world. Thus, the need for translation becomes evident. The presentations will feature translations of contemporary Ukrainian literature into English and Russian, translations of Russophone antiwar poetry into English, and Belarusian poetic works into multiple languages during the period of the 2020 protests. In addition to the discussion, the roundtable members will share their experiences and insights on existing gaps in translation, highlighting areas where other scholars and translators can contribute.

Sub Unit

• Linguistics/Language Pedagogy/Translation

Chair

• Diana Avdeeva, Columbia U

Roundtable Speakers

• Diana Avdeeva, Columbia U

• Anna Krushelnitskaya, Independent Scholar & Writer

• Catherine B. O'Neil, US Naval Academy

• Tatiana Ulanova, U of Arizona

• Ulyana Veryna, U of Oldenburg (Germany)