Azerbaijani Language and Literature Forum to Take Place in Azerbaijan for the First Time

Baku/27.07.23/Turan:  The inaugural Azerbaijani Language and Literature Forum is set to be held in Azerbaijan from September 2nd to 4th. The event will commence in Shamakhi on September 2nd, followed by a continuation in Baku on September 3rd and 4th. As per the Ministry of Culture's announcement, interested participants can register through an online application form available on the official website "culture.gov.az" until August 25, 2023.

The Forum aims to gather experts and enthusiasts to discuss the pivotal role of Azerbaijani language and literature in preserving, developing, and promoting the country's culture. It will delve into significant topics such as the preservation of the purity of Azerbaijani language, contemporary literary processes, the ideological essence, and current challenges in children's literature in the nation. Additionally, the event will explore the state of the National Book Industry and the government's support for this vital sector.

The insights and recommendations put forward by the experts during the Forum will be incorporated into the state program "Azerbaijani Culture – 2040," adding valuable perspectives to future cultural policies.

Notably, there have been concerns raised by a considerable portion of the population regarding the subpar quality of translations into Azerbaijani and the dearth of literature in their native language. Complaints have been made about the absence of Azerbaijani translations for certain foreign works. Criticism has been directed at the Translation Center, with claims that the main issue lies in the lack of skilled translators dedicated to literary translation due to its relatively low profitability. Typically, translators are remunerated around 5-6 Manats per page, even by the most generous publishing houses, with very few translators specializing in this field willing to work for such rates.

The problem is further exacerbated by amateur translators resorting to literal translations, lacking proficiency in the language and understanding of the authors. Consequently, the quality of translations has suffered. Some voices in the literary community have emphasized that reputable translators decline assignments due to inadequate compensation.

Moreover, the article titled "Not every language is a translator" on Modern.az underlines the dominance of English translations compared to translations from Russian, Turkish, or other languages.

A related concern is also voiced regarding films in cinemas, with the population expressing dissatisfaction that the majority of films are in Russian. Additionally, newly released films are either accompanied by low-quality subtitles or entirely lacking Azerbaijani translations.

This Forum seeks to draw attention to the paramount importance of the Azerbaijani language across all domains. By addressing the significance of Azerbaijani literature and exploring potential solutions to the prevailing issues, such events play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the language's importance. It is hoped that similar forums and gatherings in Azerbaijani will be organized in the future to further support and enhance the vitality of the language and its cultural heritage.