Monika Zafirovska
Student of French, Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting at Philology Faculty “Blaze Koneski”–Skopje, and Winner of the Babylon-New Generation 2024 Award
Dear Buzzers and fellow strangers,
I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to share my thoughts with you today, even if it’s just for a brief moment. As some of you may know, I won this year’s Babylon New Generation competition. I am still trying to wrap my head around it – it feels like a surreal and deeply rewarding milestone. However, behind this accomplishment lies a journey filled with great attention to details, countless moments of self-doubt, and the exhilarating challenge of being dedicated to a work with such weight in its language and passion.
When I first encountered Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, it captivated me completely. It’s a novel that is at once lyrical and harrowing, weaving a narrative that pulses with urgency and heartbreak. Paul Lynch’s prose is spare yet powerful, each word chosen with precision. I knew from the start that my task would be to stay true to the original while creating something that could stand on its own in another language – a reflection rather than a mere replication.
The initial draft was more of a personal dialogue with the text rather than a simple translation. I jotted down my thoughts, alternative phrases, and even interpretations of metaphors that may not have an equivalent in my native language. I grappled with word choices, carefully considering their connotations. Yet, the process also felt invigorating; there’s a unique satisfaction in discovering the perfect word, one that feels like it has been awaiting your arrival. I am confident that all translators can attest to this experience.
Capturing the intricate nuances in my native language involved continuous back-and-forth, delicately balancing the literal meaning with the underlying tension that permeates each exchange. My goal was for readers of the translation to experience the same sense of unease and sorrow that Lynch’s characters evoke in the original, feeling a tightening in their chests as they delve into the story.
Undoubtedly, there were moments when frustration became overwhelming. I remember one particular sentence that just didn’t seem to click, no matter how I attempted to rephrase it. It teetered between being too direct and too watered down. However, after taking a break and returning with a fresh perspective, I was able to find a solution that felt just right. This, I believe, is the essence of translation: embracing discomfort and uncertainty until the right words come to light.
Winning the competition was an incredible moment of immense joy and validation. However, it also made me reflect on what it means to be a translator. Translation is often viewed as a mechanical process, a straightforward rendering of one language into another. Yet, I’ve come to see it as a profoundly creative act. A successful translation does not merely convey or transfer meaning; it recreates the experience of the text. It demands that you inhabit the author’s mindset, perceive the world through their eyes, and subtly leave your mark on the final piece.
Receiving recognition for my work, especially when it involves embodying another person’s voice, is truly humbling. This award has made me even more aware of the responsibility that comes with translating literature. It’s a responsibility not only to the author, but also to the readers who will encounter the material in its new form. They trust you to deliver something authentic, resonating with the same emotional truth as the original. This realization has driven me to be more deliberate and thoughtful in my choices. It’s not just about finding the right words; it’s about delving into the unspoken nuances between the lines, capturing its intended emotions, and conveying them in a way that deeply resonates.
Reflecting on the past, I am truly grateful for this opportunity as it validates my instincts as a translator and marks a new beginning. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to those who have supported me on this journey. Your belief in my work has been an unwavering source of strength and inspiration. To my fellow translators, writers, and language enthusiasts, I hope this letter provides valuable insight into the intricate and often unseen process involved in our craft. Translation is a labour of love, a delicate balance of faithfulness and creativity, and I am honoured to be a part of this vibrant, challenging, and incredibly rewarding field.
Warm regards,
Monika Zafirovska,
Student of English and French Translation, and Interpreting at Philology Faculty “Blaze Koneski” – Skopje, and Winner of the Babylon- New Generation 2024 Award
The Babylon – New Generation Awards for Best Student Translation were presented on the European Day of Languages. Out of a total of 14 participants, the three award recipients are: Evgenija Panevska – Second Honorable Mention; Ivana Jakovova – First Honorable Mention and Monika Zafirovska – Winner of the First Prize (a financial award intended for professional development). During the award ceremony, the first prize was presented by the EU Ambassador, Mihalis Rokas.
Hey there, dear Buzzers! Welcome back to the start of autumn and the new academic year. We’ve been up to some amazing things lately and we can’t wait to share it all with you. From embracing sustainable habits to enjoying outdoor activities, watching great movies, and immersing ourselves in the arts and jazz music, it’s been an unforgettable time. Let’s dive in and relive these incredible moments together!
We hosted the European Mobility Week (September 16-22), featuring the Green Delivery Day initiative. The aim was to minimize the detrimental effects of exhaust fumes on the environment by adopting eco-friendly approaches to delivering postal items. Our postal operators utilized bicycles, electric scooters, or walked, actively contributing to cutting the carbon footprint and fostering “green habits” for the future. In a world grappling with climate change challenges, it’s crucial to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the harmful impact on the environment.
Fun Fact: Did you know that on Green Postal Day (September 19, 2024), a total of 1,676 postal items were delivered without producing any pollution? This eco-friendly feat was achieved by delivering on foot, bicycle, and scooter. Impressive, right?!
The European Mobility Week was celebrated with an exciting weekend of hiking and a thought-provoking lecture on alternative transportation in Kriva Palanka. Participants had the opportunity to explore the EU-funded path to Stanechki Vodopadi (Waterfalls), revealing the hidden beauties of the Osogovo Mountains.
Our activities also included learning about the numerous benefits of walking, cycling, and using electric scooters as alternative transportation options. By adopting eco-friendly habits for daily mobility, we not only save money but also contribute to the protection of the environment and the improvement of human and planetary health.
In addition, we emphasized the importance of safer roads, reduced noise, and cleaner air, highlighting the power of individual choices in shaping sustainable cities. This year, 50 people took on our green mobility challenge, and we are aiming for at least 550 participants next year!
Fun Fact: Discover the amazing calorie-burning benefits of hiking – up to 500 calories per hour, depending on the terrain. Imagine the joy of giving your body a longer, happier walk! It’s real eco-training!
Strumica proudly celebrated World Car-Free Day for the fourth year in a row, engaging students from primary and secondary schools in the municipality and members of the Velo Strumica Association. Enthusiastic citizens took part in a lively parade, showcasing alternative modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, scootering, rollerblading, and skateboarding.
In addition to the parade, a captivating quiz was organized, offering participants the chance to explore diverse methods for fostering sustainable mobility and enhancing the city’s overall quality of life. Through this event, Strumica continues to prove that collective action can lead to cleaner air and more sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Fun Fact: Did you know that carbon dioxide emissions from passenger transport vary significantly depending on the mode of transport? Shockingly, passenger cars are a major polluter, making up 61% of total EU road transport CO2 emissions. Even more concerning, the average occupancy rate in Europe was only 1.6 people per car in 2018. Switching to public transport, cycling, and walking can play a crucial role in reducing these harmful emissions.
The 45th edition of the Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival was hosted in Bitola, featuring a captivating evening dedicated to the pioneering Manaki brothers of Balkan cinematography and visual art.
The event commenced with the exhibition Beyond Yesterday: A Contemporary Walk in the Footsteps of the Manaki Brothers in the Early 1900s, curated by Professor Catalin D. Constantin. This unique showcase brought to life the Manaki brothers’ century-old photographs alongside present-day images of the same locations.
This captivating visual dialogue offered a glimpse into a bygone era when the Balkans were steeped in tradition, as captured through the lenses of the Manaki brothers. It demonstrated the power of photography as a bridge between generations and cultures, preserving memories of the past while documenting the evolving landscape. The Imago Mundi concert further evoked the enchanting essence of the period when the Manaki brothers immortalized Balkan traditions.
Fun Fact: The Manaki brothers were not only pioneers in shooting the first film in the Balkans, but they also launched the first open-air cinema in Bitola in 1921.
Europe House Veles marks its first anniversary with a powerful panel discussion on Seeing the Vardar more cleanly as part of the European Commission’s #WaterWiseEU campaign. The event delved into the causes of Vardar’s pollution, its repercussions, and potential solutions. EU Deputy Head of Delegation Ben Nupnau underscored the global water crisis and the critical need to safeguard our natural resources.
The second event that marked the past period was, of course, the celebration of the Mobility Week, reminding us that the streets of Veles were originally designed for walking. Despite the rain, we walked together with several ambassadors, representatives of the local government, students, and young European ambassadors on a tour to the Kocho Racin Memorial House, passing by notable landmarks of Veles, all the way to the Kasapovi House.
The tour emphasized the power of walking and cycling in fostering a cleaner environment and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Fun Fact: In just one year at Europe House Veles, we successfully organized 140 events, drawing over 5,000 participants. This remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy in a city with approximately 40,000 inhabitants. Not bad at all!
Europe House Struga arranged a visit to the Knigovez Workshop & Gift Shop in Ohrid where we had an amazing, hands-on experience. Each part of the workshop has its own compelling story.
We discovered that ancient trades are not just skills, but timeless crafts that can be adapted to individual creativity and needs. This workshop took us back to the basics, demonstrating how mastering these techniques can lead to truly unique creations.
Our goal during the workshop was to inspire young people to explore the world of crafts and experience the joy of creating something one-of-a-kind. Master Dragan Georgievski shared his expertise, demonstrating the intricate process of making book covers and hand-carving leather, and guiding us through the oldest technique for sewing leather using a pair of needles.
Fun Fact: Discover the oldest surviving illustrated children’s book, Orbis Pictus by Jan Amos Komenský, first published in 1658. This remarkable book, also known as Orbis Sensualium Pictus (Visible World in Pictures), is hailed as one of the oldest illustrated textbooks, providing children with a captivating journey to explore and understand the world.
In September, Europe House Tetovo hosted the JazzFest Tetovo 2024, a transformative festival that united jazz enthusiasts and locals for three unforgettable nights. The performances by AJS Quartet, Dobrila & Dorian Duo, and Sasho Popovski Trio left the audience enthralled and celebrated the spirit of jazz. This festival was a joyous celebration that brought people together, fostering connections and creating cherished memories that will resonate for years to come. Additionally, to commemorate European Mobility Week, a bicycle tour was organized from Europe House Tetovo to the South East European University and back, serving as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility in building a greener future for Tetovo.
Fun Fact: Winter is on the way! Tetovo is situated close to Šar Mountains, an area teeming with biodiversity and boasting spectacular hiking trails, making it a top choice for nature lovers. During winter, the mountain becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, drawing numerous visitors. Experience the beauty of this natural haven all year round!
Farewell, September, dear Buzzers! Rest assured; we’re not going anywhere. In fact, we’re gearing up for the exciting events that October has in store. Stay tuned!