Translation initiative aims to help bridge cultural gap

Sharjah: A translation institute will be launched in Sharjah as part of the government's initiative to change the misconception of Arabs and Muslims in the West, the Ruler of Sharjah announced yesterday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Sharjah World Book Fair, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said: "This year the book fair is characterised by the participation of European and American publishing houses, which enhances the exchange of cultures between the East and the West."

Dr Shaikh Sultan inaugurated the 26th annual Sharjah World Book Fair yesterday at Sharjah Expo Centre, which runs from 5 to 14 December. He explained that a new governmental project will be launched in the form of a translation institute.

The institute's responsibility will be to translate books from English to Arabic, and vice versa, in order to build bridges of cultural understanding between the East and the West.

"We will take the benefit of English books at this year's book fair so that they can be translated into Arabic, and the Arabic books that show the Arab culture, heritage and history will be translated to English," said Dr Shaikh Sultan.

He also urged parents to encourage their children to develop the habit of reading as it will prepare the next generation to become skilled writers.

Over 700 publishers from 55 countries will exhibit their publications. This includes 120 publishers participating in the fair for the first time, which covers a range of categories including electronics, Islam and children's books.

An estimated 100,000 titles will be displayed in Arabic and English.