Welcome!
Literary translation crystallizes what the humanities are all about: building bridges across the world’s languages and cultures; respect and love for the written word; precise attention to nuance; as well as collaboration, creativity, and human connection. As both interpreter and creator, the translator is tasked with rebuilding a verbal work of art using different materials while maintaining its essential spirit.
I am thrilled and deeply honored to begin my term as the new director of Boston University’s MFA program in Literary Translation. BU’s longstanding commitment to the art of literary translation exemplifies our global mission in the humanities. Our world-famous BU Translation Seminar lecture series has been bringing extraordinary literary translators to campus every Friday in the spring semester for nearly fifty years. The seminar is open to the public and draws a large and enthusiastic audience of translators, writers, scholars and other literature lovers from all over Boston. I invite you to join us for the talks and stay for the lively Q & A.
BU’s MFA Program in Literary Translation, now in its sixth year, is communicating that enthusiasm and expertise to a new generation of aspiring literary translators. Our program is truly special because it brings together a diverse and distinguished faculty of accomplished translators and writers who are shaping the field and who love sharing their passion for this craft with students. As an interdepartmental program, we are able to draw on the strengths of faculty from across the university, including the departments of Classics, Romance Studies, World Languages & Literatures, and the Creative Writing Program.
It would be hard to find a more deeply literary city than Boston. The concentration of publishers, literary magazines, translator collectives, longstanding reading groups, and lecture and film series creates endless opportunities for exploration and growth. The city’s international character also offers students opportunities to connect with communities speaking dozens of languages.
This is such an exciting time to be entering the field of literary translation. We’re witnessing a true renaissance—more books in translation are being published than ever before, major literary prizes are recognizing translated works and the work of translators, and readers are eagerly seeking out voices from around the globe. What’s particularly thrilling is watching translators take their rightful place as creative artists and cultural bridge-builders. You’ll see translator names featured prominently on book covers, translators participating as key voices in literary festivals and conversations, and a growing appreciation for the fine art of literary translation.
I believe that Boston University’s MFA program is the perfect place to prepare the translators who will shape literature’s global future, and I hope you’ll consider becoming part of our community. You’ll be entering the field at a moment when your work will be more valued, more visible, and more essential than ever before.
J. Keith Vincent
Director, Literary Translation MFA
kvincent@bu.edu