| Abstract [eng] |
LITHUANIAN FICTION TRANSLATIONS IN 1990–2005 The main focus of this Master’s Thesis is the synthesis of translations of Lithuanian fiction from 1990 to 2005. This paper seeks to depict the general situation of translations of Lithuanian fiction. It sets out the specific features and highlights the current situation and trends in the translations of Lithuanian fiction. Some aspects of cultural policy are reviewed, as well. Only translated books of Lithuanian authors are selected for analysis in this paper. It aims to discover and evaluate the contemporary situation of translations of Lithuanian fiction. This way several tasks are undertaken to meet the purpose of the paper. Firstly, the significance of translations to culture is discussed. Secondly, it seeks to depict Lithuanian fiction translations until 1998, before non-commercial organisation „Lietuviškos knygos“ (Books from Lithuania) was founded. Also the guidelines and activities of „Lietuviškos knygos” are analysed. A more thorough analysis of the activities of „Lietuviškos knygos“ is based on the opinions and remarks made by the founders, translators, publishers in Lithuania and abroad, the experts that decide on works to be translated and benefit from „Lietuviškos knygos” grants. Thirdly, the paper compares „Lietuviškos knygos” with similar institutions abroad. Organisation Norla in Norway is one of the examples. Moreover, the paper is ambitious to gather every piece of information in a wide array of sources available in the field. The selected data is analysed in several respects. Firstly, it looks at the quantity of works translated. Secondly, it looks at the languages the works were translated to. Thirdly, it looks at the year of the translations performed. Fourthly, it looks at the genre of the translated works. Lastly, it looks at the number of copies in the edition. This effort helps to understand and estimate current situation and general trends in translation of Lithuanian fiction. There are several conclusions that are drawn in the paper. Mainly, it is in the best interest of the small nations to promote translations of their own native literature. To meet this end the proper cultural policy strategies should be created and applied. There were fewer translations performed before „Lietuviškos knygos“ was founded. There was no Lithuanian fiction translations promotion and registration system in Lithuania. In order to promote Lithuanian fiction translations „Lietuviškos knygos“ works as literary information centre and as translation promoting fund. The lack of authors, who can/could write bestsellers, the lack of experienced translators, poor sponsorship of the organisation and other factors influenced the fact, that there are not as many translated Lithuanian fiction books after 1998 as it was initially thought. In comparison with Norway, Lithuania is lagging behind its standard. However, it should be emphasized that under the influence of „Lietuviškos knygos“ more of the Lithuanian fiction translations were published since 1998. Nevertheless, it remains necessary to broaden the scope of activities of „Lietuviškos knygos“ and to create new opportunities to offer Lithuanian fiction translations to foreign publishers. |
