SHTAIU unveils languages selected for 13th edition

The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding (SHTAIU) has revealed the languages it will support in its 13th edition, set to commence in 2027. In its ongoing effort to broaden its international reach and allow ample preparation time for translators, publishers, and academic institutions, SHTAIU will announce the languages months ahead of application and nomination periods.

The decision on the selected languages is based on thorough field studies conducted by translation experts and researchers, who evaluate the translation dynamics between Arabic and other international languages. The selection process also considers the volume of translation output, academic and cultural activity related to each language, and ensures equitable representation across continents and regions, in line with SHTAIU's mission of fostering intercultural connections and understanding.

In the Single Book Category, English and Spanish have been chosen, as they are among the world's most widely spoken and globally influential languages. Spanish has appeared among the award's selected languages in two previous editions, reflecting the growing momentum in Spanish-Arabic translation. In the Achievement Category, which recognizes sustained efforts in translation by individuals and institutions, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Uzbek, and Japanese have been selected.

The inclusion of Portuguese, Uzbek, and Japanese, all less widely spoken languages, underscores SHTAIU's commitment to supporting promising translation potential and encouraging knowledge exchange between these languages and Arabic.

To prepare for the upcoming edition, SHTAIU will conduct outreach tours in countries where the selected languages are spoken. These tours will provide translators, researchers, and academics direct interaction with the award, allowing them to assess translation movements and forge academic and cultural partnerships. Nominations and applications for this edition are open from January 1 to March 31 through the award's official website.

SHTAIU encourages all interested parties to regularly follow the award's website and social media for updates and to start preparing early for this highly competitive edition, expected to attract global participants.