Despite its rich and diverse literature, Vietnam still does not have a solid position on the world literary map. The reason is not only from the creative aspect, but also due to the lack of translation work – an important factor in introducing Vietnamese literature to the world. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately establish a literary translation institute to reach a wider audience.
Is Vietnamese literature “at a disadvantage”?
While many countries, such as South Korea, have strongly developed their national brands through cultural products, including literature, Vietnamese literature seems to be obscure in the international arena. Most Vietnamese literary works have not been translated into popular languages such as English, French, and Spanish, making it difficult for international readers to access. Culture is not only a spiritual product but also a soft strategy to help enhance the national position. We have talented writers and valuable works, but if they are not translated and promoted, Vietnamese literature will remain confined to the country and miss the opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Lessons from success
Writer Han Kang is a typical example of Korea’s effective literary promotion strategy. Her work “The Vegetarian” quickly became known worldwide thanks to the support of the Korean Literature Translation Institute. The release of the film adaptation of “The Vegetarian” also contributed to strengthening her position and helping the work reach a wider audience. Mr. Ha Jae Hong, a Korean translator, affirmed the importance of translation in developing literature and building national pride when he advised Vietnam to establish a Literature Translation Institute.
Challenges in Translating Vietnamese Literature
To have high-quality translations, talented translators are needed. However, translation requires a lot of effort and money, which not all writers can afford. Even if you have a good translation, convincing international publishers to invest in your work is still a big challenge. Publishers often have strict criteria and preconceived views on Vietnamese literature, such as “Vietnam War” or “traditional culture”, making it even more difficult to bring other works to the world.
Source: Vietnamnet.vn & Thanhnien.vn
