The French Institute in India (IFI), in collaboration with the Ashoka Centre for Translation (ACT), invites applications from Indian candidates interested in strengthening their skills in literary translation from French to Indian languages.
This special in-person edition of Translators’ Factory will welcome 10 participants for a 4-day intensive workshop led by the French translator Myriam Bellehigue as facilitator. The selected participants will work in pairs, comprising one French language expert each and one target language literary translator in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi.
THE WORKSHOP IS AIMED AT 2 PROFILES
- PROFILE 1: French Language Experts, with little to no experience in translation from French to Indian languages, but with a good grasp of one of the following languages: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi.
Individuals applying should be of Indian nationality, be fully proficient in French (C1 level), and speak English, as well as preferably, but not necessarily, one of the target Indian languages.
- PROFILE 2: Literary Translators working in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi, with a strong interest or experience in literary translation. Applicants under this category do not need to speak French.
Individuals applying should be of Indian nationality, have a strong command of the target Indian language and English, and may or may not be familiar with French literature.
Total spots available:
- 5 for French Experts
- 5 for Literary Translators (one each in the target languages)
Applicants may apply individually or as a duo (Profile 1 and Profile 2). Upon selection, final pairs will be formed by a jury composed of one representative from the French Institute in India, one representative from the Ashoka Centre for Translation, and the workshop facilitator.
TARGET LANGUAGES (5)
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Tamil
- Malayalam
- Marathi
OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
- To experiment with translation as a collaborative process.
- To improve translation skills through practical, hands-on exercises under the guidance of an experienced French translator.
- To engage with contemporary French literature.
- To contribute to translations into, as opposed to from, Indian languages.
- To become part of a network of Indo-French translation professionals.
FORMAT & DURATION
- 4 days of in-person, intensive training on the Ashoka University campus.
- Practical sessions based on a French source text selected jointly by IFI, ACT, and the facilitator.
- 10 participants: 2 per language working in duos comprising one French language expert and one literary translator each.
- Arrival of participants: 1 day before the program.
- Total stay hosted at Ashoka University: 4 days and 5 nights.
CONDITIONS
Organisers will offer:
- Accommodation for all 10 participants.
- Meals during the workshop.
- Logistical and technical support during the workshop.
- Local transport between the nearest metro station in Delhi and the Ashoka University campus on arrival and departure.
- Waived-Off Training Fee.
Participants will take care of:
- Their domestic travel (train, bus, or flight) to the nearest metro station in Delhi.
Any subsequent conditions will be communicated to the participants at the time of selection.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Selection will be made by a jury—comprising IFI, ACT, and the facilitator—based on:
- Motivation Letter (to be included in response to the application form)
- Level Certificate in French (for Profile 1)
- Past Experience (list of published works, with press reviews if any, for Profile 2)
Selected candidates will be contacted by email.
CONTACT
Person in charge: Julia Trouilloud, Attachée for Books & Ideas, IFI
Program coordinator: Sumit Kumar
Mail: [email protected]