#Qcpaysbasque: Itzultzaile Berriak

Train translators of Basque literature from other countries and build bridges between international and local translators: that is the aim of the ‘Itzultzaile Berriak’(New Translators) project. The project was part of a series of initiatives that emerged from Donostia/San Sebastian European Capital of Culture 2016 and which is now overseen by the Etxepare Basque Institute.

Under this initiative, two literary translators from Quebec, or French-speakers in general, will be given Basque lessons with the aim of promoting Basque literature.

To this end, two French-speaking translators will be selected to study Basque through a public call for applications, launched today, 20 February. The dynamic will be as follows: one French-speaking translator who already speaks Basque will take advanced-level classes on direct translation of texts from Basque under the guidance of a mentor. A second translator will receive Basque classes in addition to spending the month of July in the Basque Country. At the proposal of EIZIE, the Etxepare Basque Institute will designate an expert to serve as mentor.

The call will not only encourage the use of the Basque language, but also promote the production of literary works. The project deadline is 31 August 2020, at which time each translator will deliver two samples of around 30,000 characters. The samples will be approved by the mentor and used to promote Basque literature.

Applications may be submitted from 20 February until 5 March. The documentation must be sent by email to: etxepare@etxepare.eus

This project, developed by the Etxepare Basque Institute in partnership with EIZIE, the Association of Basque Translators, Correctors and Interpreters, is part of the collaborative effort with Quebec taking place from 2020-2021.

#QCPaysBasque 2020-2021

#QCPays Basque 2020-2021 is one of the projects that emerged from the collaboration between Quebec and the Basque Country. The project seeks to foster collaboration between cultural stakeholders in both regions, strengthen relations between artists, creative talent and cultural industries, promote creation and dissemination, exchange experiences and knowledge, create cultural showcases and, ultimately, strengthen links through cultural dialogue.

#QCPaysBasque stems from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Quebec and the Basque Country, and is managed by the Etxepare Basque Institute and the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communication.