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Raising Awareness About Arabic Writing

DUBAI - Arabic literature has made its own special place in the literary world. A number of Arabic books, poems and other literary works are being translated from Arabic into other languages. But, while there is a sudden rush for translation of popular Arabic literature into foreign languages, Arab authors and poets have raised concerns on the type of works being chosen.

In a panel discussion at the Emirates Airlines International Festival of Literature, four Arab authors said that the content being translated is violent, sexually explicit and speaks of political instability in the Arab world, which sells like hot cakes in the Western world.

Ibrahim Nasrallah a Palastenian- Jordanian writer, Eygyptian novelist Mekkawi Said, Iraqi novelist and poet, Fadhil Al Azzawi and Egyptian Khalid Al Khamissi constituted the panel. They pointed out that since the books represented the ideals and happenings within the Arab world, it was necessary to make the right impression by choosing the right type of literary works.

Ibrahim Nasrallah said during the discussion, “The main reason is the theme these books are based on. Those chosen for translation talk about sensitive issues. The theme is of primary importance, and the artistic standards of writing are ignored. I believe that better books should be translated.”

Fadhil Al Azzawi added , “We admit that translation plays a very important role but they are chosen as per the western agenda. Besides, the ethical perspective, there is also a commercial agenda to translation of Arabic books.” He said that there is a misunderstanding that all the West wants to know about is war, sex and the political turmoil in the region. He added, “The West should not be looked at as a unified entity. It is quite diverse. There are different schools of thought. Many publishers require books of different styles.”

Adding to Azzawi’s observation, Nasrallah said, “Humanising our concepts is very important, we need them to be translated to be understood by a wider audience.” He said that it was important that the rest of the world realizes that Arab authors are capable of creation and innovation.

The authors also discussed prizes awarded to Arab writers. They agreed on the fact that giving out literary prizes and awards does encourage them to write better, but the jury has to be objective. Nasrallah had refused an award from the Egyptian government for a book he had written. “I do not condemn awards for authors, but I had to go to court for a book I wrote. The criteria for winning an award for literature are viewed subjectively by judges.”

Fadhil said, “Literary prizes should be given objectively and help develop Arabic culture, they should not be biased and a proper committee must be set up to decide.”

Mekkawi Said said, “I support prizes for literary works. My second book, the ‘Swan Song’ received the Arab Booker award. But, criteria for selection should be set objectively. Award should be given for creativity.”

• UAE