Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Press translator, Kholoud Amr, won third prize in this year’s edition of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding (SHTAIU).
The prize is in the category of translation from English to Arabic for her translation of 'The Buried Giant', by 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature winner, Kazuo Ishiguro.
Amr was presented the award by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at a ceremony honouring the winners of the fifth edition of SHTAIU on December 8.
“HBKU Press is committed to publishing high quality translations of notable literary works from around the world,” explained executive director Bachar Chebaro.
“This award further validates that translated publications from HBKU Press play an integral role in the cultural exchange of information and in cultural rapprochement.
“Amr’s work specifically in translating the work of a Nobel Laureate has helped contribute to the building of cultural communication and coexistence and enhance the transfer of thought and knowledge between Arabic and English language readers.”
Amr previously translated 'Out of It' by Selma Dabbagh into Arabic under the title of Gaza under the Skin. In 2018, HBKU Press released Amr’s Arabic translation of Lilas Taha’s 2017 International Book Award winner in the category of Fiction-Multicultural, Bitter Almonds. Amr is currently translating An Orchestra of Minorities, written by Nigerian writer, Chigozie Obioma.
“Translation for me is a journey of discovering wonders,” explained Amr. “I always choose to translate books that I have read and enjoyed and I work best along with the support of a team of people that I trust. HBKU Press has been great in these two aspects: they are always acquiring the Arabic translation rights to translate the best-selling and most notable literary works from around the world, which gives me such amazing works to choose from. And the editorial team is so wonderful to work with – so generous with their support to me as a translator.”
The Buried Giant begins as a couple set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen in years. Sometimes savage, often intensely moving, The Buried Giant is about lost memories, love, revenge and war.
Amr was presented the award by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at a ceremony honouring the winners of the fifth edition of SHTAIU on December 8.
“HBKU Press is committed to publishing high quality translations of notable literary works from around the world,” explained executive director Bachar Chebaro.
“This award further validates that translated publications from HBKU Press play an integral role in the cultural exchange of information and in cultural rapprochement.
“Amr’s work specifically in translating the work of a Nobel Laureate has helped contribute to the building of cultural communication and coexistence and enhance the transfer of thought and knowledge between Arabic and English language readers.”
Amr previously translated 'Out of It' by Selma Dabbagh into Arabic under the title of Gaza under the Skin. In 2018, HBKU Press released Amr’s Arabic translation of Lilas Taha’s 2017 International Book Award winner in the category of Fiction-Multicultural, Bitter Almonds. Amr is currently translating An Orchestra of Minorities, written by Nigerian writer, Chigozie Obioma.
“Translation for me is a journey of discovering wonders,” explained Amr. “I always choose to translate books that I have read and enjoyed and I work best along with the support of a team of people that I trust. HBKU Press has been great in these two aspects: they are always acquiring the Arabic translation rights to translate the best-selling and most notable literary works from around the world, which gives me such amazing works to choose from. And the editorial team is so wonderful to work with – so generous with their support to me as a translator.”
The Buried Giant begins as a couple set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen in years. Sometimes savage, often intensely moving, The Buried Giant is about lost memories, love, revenge and war.
