What decisions arise from translating poetry rich in a different historical and religious context? How does a translator express idioms and convey the finer details in just a few words? Janani Ambikapathy and Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, translating from Tamil and Malay respectively, join Shash Trevett for an insightful discussion about the challenges of translating culture and antiquity that they have encountered in their work.

This event is generously supported by the National Arts Council of Singapore.

‘Making the Unfamiliar Familiar’ is part of National Centre for Writing’s Meet the World programme.

Meet the World is the home of NCW’s work on the international stage. Rooted in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, but with a global reach, we are proud to collaborate with writers, translators, and organisations from many languages and cultures.

Explore a diverse range of events, residencies, opportunities, and new writing – from Norwich to the world, and back again.