Translation as an Act of Resistance: A Conversation with Sawad Hussain

As part of Folio’s Banned Books Week, join us for a compelling Zoom conversation with translator Sawad Hussain, who explores translation as a powerful form of resistance, bringing marginalized and banned voices from Arabic and African literature to a wider audience.

In conversation with Folio librarian Lillian Dabney, Sawad Hussain will discuss the unique challenges of translating works that often face censorship or misinterpretation. They will also examine how her translations challenge Western stereotypes of Arabic literature and emphasize the importance of amplifying stories that confront cultural erasure. The discussion will highlight notable works such as The Book Censor’s Library and Mama Hissa’s Mice, delving into themes of censorship, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling to resist oppression.

Sawad Hussain is an Arabic translator and litterateur with a passion for bringing narratives from Africa to a wider audience. She has lectured at the IAIS at the University of Exeter, and…