The Changing Role of the Translator

This is a free event, but registration is required.

Literary translation opens the world to readers, bringing them into conversation with other cultures, languages, and historical contexts. Translators are writers, interpreters, and cultural ambassadors, preserving the nuance and voice that gives literature life.

What does the role of the literary translator look like today, in the face of an increasingly globalized world and the advent of AI translations that flatten cultural and linguistic nuance?

This vital conversation will bring together acclaimed translators and authors Michael Eskin (The Emprise of Poetry: Durs Grünbein, America, Antisemitism and the Pursuit of Liberty), Annelise Finegan (The Enchanting Lives of Others by Can Xue), Tess Lewis (Nevermore by Cécile Wajsbrot), and former translator for the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly Abdelgabar Mohieldin, with moderator Sandra Smith (Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky).

Together they will explore the evolving role of the translator and why translation remains essential to the future of literature.

The 2026 PEN World Voices Festival is a celebration of world literature and free expression. The 2026 edition will be the 21st World Voices Festival. Over four days, over 140 writers from over 40 countries will be featured in 40+ engaging talks, panels, readings, and activations in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

This space is ADA compliant. An elevator is onsite that goes to the event space.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 15th to request.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

AIA New York | Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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