Best Translated Book Award -- Countries represented and Statistics

Hello Gentle Reader

I have immense respect for the “Best Translated Book Award.” It is a prize that represents the unrepresented in English language countries – the translated book; and awards the authors and their translators for a book well done. The blog associated with the “Best Translated Book Award,” and “Open Letter Books,”: “Three Percent Review,” has released, statistical data, in regards, to the languages, and countries that have been represented up until this point – as the Longlist will be announced shortly. The list of the data, is compelling, and offers an interesting perspective of what languages are translated the most.

France is at the top of the list with a total of 54 nominations. Following France is Germany with a total of 40 books nominated. After which comes Italy with 27. Followed by Sweden with a total of 24. Spain follows closely with 23. Russia comes behind with a total of 19.

These notations are large, and grand in their literary traditions. This explains their high percentages of nominations; and their capabilities of doing so.

It is sad to see some nations with lower percentages:

Greece with 2
Latvia: 1
Lithuania: 2
Romania: 3 (Mircea Cărtărescu a possibility)
Slovenia: 1
Portugal: 2
Poland: 6
South Africa: 1 (“The Expedition to the Baobab Tree,” by Wilma Stockenstrom)
Croatia: 1
Czech Republic: 3
Netherlands: 7 (Gerbrand Bakker)
Finland: 4
Switzerland: 6
Albania: 1
Bulgaria: 3
India: 1
Hungary: 3 (Laszlo Krasznahorakai anyone?)

It is however interesting to see some nations with higher percentages. South Korea for example has 12 nominated. Turkey 11. Argentina 13 (Cesar Aira a major possibility).

Then it is interesting to see some nations that one would not expect. Congo has one – and its better to be represented then not. Togo 1. Mozambique 1 (though Mia Couto is a high contender). Saudia Arabia with 2. Lebanon has 4. Indonesia has 4. Azerbaijan: 1 (I’d like to know what book that is). Haiti has 1. Oman with 1. Belarus with 1.This why the “Best Translated Book Award,” is fascinating; it is because it is a global exchange of literature. A broadening if you will; of the world though representation via literature. Though its disappointing to see such small numbers with some countries, there is continual hope, that the trend shows significant positive gain. I cannot wait personally for the Longlist to be announced.

To review the entire list of countries, represented and their percentages of books:

http://www.rochester.edu/College/translation/threepercent/index.php?id=9832

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
*And Remember: Downloading Books Illegally is Thievery and Wrong.*

M. Mary