ALTA44

The ALTA44 theme “Inflection Points” allows us to reflect on how the field of literature in translation might take new turns, rather than return to an unsustainable normal at a time when change must occur and ask questions such as: Is this a moment to change the trajectory of what is considered “growth,” “success,” and “value” in the field of translation? Is this a moment to reconceive what the ideal trajectory of translation and translated literature might be? While translations have flatlined at 3% of the total literature published in the U.S. for decades, a dynamic response at this moment might allow us to turn the tide on the significance of translation in a world still yet to be written.

The two-part ALTA44 conference took place in fall of 2021. The virtual conference included seminars and roundtables proposed by members, bilingual readings, special programming including professional development sessions, the ALTA Awards ceremony, and the Mentorship Program and Travel Fellows Readings, and more. The in-person conference featured a few seminars and roundtables, as well as a keynote address, a theater translation production in partnership with a local theater, opportunities to participate in bilingual readings and Declamación, and plenty of chances to connect with fellow ALTA attendees and the Tucson and University of Arizona communities.