RIYADH: The International Translation Forum is taking place in Riyadh this week, highlighting the role of translation in bringing people closer and building solid foundations for civilized societies.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, the forum — which boasts the theme “From Saudi Arabia, We Translate the Future” — concludes on Nov. 8 at the King Fahd Cultural Center.
Hailah Alkhalaf, the general manager of translation at the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said: “We believe … that translation is not merely word-for-word equivalence. It’s not just translating a text from one language to another. When we translate, we translate a whole culture, whether it’s our own or others.
“It’s essential that we focus on human connection: that is why this year we hosted a gala dinner with the Culinary Commission in the Ministry of Culture. Also, in the final ceremony, there’s going to be a collaboration with the Music Commission. All of this is what translation is all about: human connection.”
The forum features translators, experts, academics, and students from all over the Kingdom. They are hosting panel sessions and offering workshops related to the subject of the future of translation and its technical and practical applications in Saudi Arabia.
Among the participants at the event is Haifa Aldaihani, a 21-year-old student of language and translation at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University. She explained why she chose to study language and translation, telling Arab News: “(It’s) a flexible field, since I am willing to pursue the diplomacy field in the future, especially in international relations.”
Her previous experience of living abroad influenced her decision, and she added: “My many years of living abroad have cemented my purpose of becoming a future representative of Saudi Arabia, which is why I love translation. I love connecting with people from various backgrounds.”
Shahad bin Ghumaijan, a 23-year-old student at the same university, said that her interest in communication and languages was what motivated her to study languages and translation.
She said: “I love languages and communication. It helps connect people and cultures.”
Both students are part of the Translators Club, a student body that began in 2023 to develop translation skills through events, workshops, and teamwork.
Amira Aldossary, a participant from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, is a member of the Languages Club at PNU and explained the link between translation and its importance in sustainable development.
She said: “Today we are talking about languages that have disappeared or are beginning to disappear, so we can convey their voice through translation and make this a bridge between us and them.”
She added that sustainability in languages could be achieved through providing equal opportunities.
Knowledge exchange featured at the event and one platform for it proved to be panel discussions.
Mashael Jasser Al-Jasser, a lecturer in the translation department at PNU, elaborated on her participation in one of the panels on the first day of the forum.
She said: “I’m very honored to be the moderator for the first session. I had a panel discussion titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities and Crisis Translation.’ We talked about training translators (and) how to be ready in crisis situations.
“We’re trying to raise awareness about crisis translation. I’ve been trying to raise awareness in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world about this field. I was lucky enough to have the panel discussion on the first day.”
The International Translation Forum is not only a gathering of experts, but an integrated experience that reflects the Kingdom’s role in shaping the future of multiple languages.
