The global library

Ali Smith on the proliferation of life and language

We’re launching our literary translation month with a provocation by Ali Smith about the diversity of international literature and how the English language is but one part of the global library. Without literary translation, does fiction and poetry run the risk of stagnation and a lingering decline?

Ali first delivered this as part of our National Conversation event at the Southbank Centre in 2014.

 
 
Commissioned as part of the International Literature Showcase 2015–2021; a partnership between National Centre for Writing, British Council and Arts Council England, supported by Creative Scotland, Arts Council Northern Ireland and Wales Arts International.

 

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