The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding plays a crucial role in motivating and encouraging translators, according to Dr. Karma Sami, the Director of the National Center for Translation in Egypt. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency, she highlighted the award’s significant contribution to advancing translation efforts on both the Arab and international levels. Dr. Sami praised the success of the award in recognizing translators from various languages worldwide and suggested expanding the scope to include more languages in future editions to further promote translation.
Dr. Sami emphasized the importance of establishing an Arab strategy for translation as part of a comprehensive cultural and educational renaissance. She called for collaboration among Arab countries in translation under the auspices of the Arab League and prominent cultural institutions. Dr. Sami noted that creating a database and a practical framework for sharing authentic Arab culture with the world without distortion would be essential in realizing the vision of establishing translation centers in every Arab country.
In addition, Dr. Sami pointed out the need for the Arab world to promote translation in various fields like science, technology, future studies, and digital advancements. She suggested that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding could introduce new categories in these areas to leverage its success in the coming years. Dr. Sami acknowledged the challenges translators face but emphasized the need for support from publishers, cultural institutions, media outlets, and translation awards that recognize their efforts.
When it comes to discovering and nurturing new translators, Dr. Sami highlighted the importance of identifying and training emerging translators from an early age. She emphasized that curricula should not prioritize foreign languages over the native language, and that a broad cultural and educational uplift in society is necessary to produce the number of translators needed for a translation renaissance. Dr. Sami stressed that translators should prioritize the benefit of the nation above all else.
Touching on the history of translation movements in the Arab world, Dr. Sami discussed their role and the means to improve them through new initiatives and ideas. She also acknowledged the efforts of Arab countries that have established specialized translation centers aimed at benefiting the Arab reader and raising awareness of the importance of translation culture. In conclusion, Dr. Karma Sami emphasized the significance of translation in fostering cultural exchange and understanding between different languages and societies, and praised the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding for its role in promoting and recognizing translation efforts.
