A Symphony of Island and Literature:
2025 Workshop for Translating Taiwan Literature
Call for Applications
I. Mission: An International Workshop for Emerging Translators
From 2021 to 2024, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) collaborated with the British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT) to deliver a series of Taiwan literature translation workshops, nurturing a new generation of literary translators. In 2025, the NMTL is partnering once again with BCLT to launch, for the first time in Taiwan, A Symphony of Island and Literature: 2025 Workshop for Translating Taiwan Literature. This intensive and immersive training program is tailored for emerging translators who aspire to specialize in translating Taiwan literature into English. The program combines practical translation training with cultural engagement, including guided cultural tours, keynote lectures and forums, and visits to Indigenous communities’ literary and cultural heritage sites.
The workshop will feature internationally acclaimed translator Jeremy Tiang as mentor, joined by writers from Taiwan, senior translators, scholars and publishing representatives from the Czech Republic, Japan, Poland, South Korea, and UK and other countries. Through a rich program, the workshop aims to strengthen participants’ skills in translating Taiwan literature, deepen their engagement with Taiwan’s literature, culture and languages, broaden their networks, explore professional development opportunities in literary translation, and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
II. Organizer:
National Museum of Taiwan Literature
III. Partner:
British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT)
IV. Date and Venue
(I) Application Period
From now until September 7, 2025 (Sunday), 11:59 p.m. Taiwan Time (UTC+8). Late applications will not be accepted.
(II). Workshop Schedule and Venue
November 9-14, 2025 (6 days total):
- November 9-11 – Tainan
- November 12-14 – Taitung
V. Selection Quota and Eligibility
A total of 20 participants will be selected. Anyone aged 18 or above, including non-Taiwanese citizens, with an interest in translating Taiwan literature into English is welcome to apply, including emerging translators, working professionals, and undergraduate/graduate students from both domestic and international backgrounds. Applicants are required to complete translation samples based on texts provided by the organizers and submit their Chinese-to-English literary translation work as reference materials.
VI. Participation Fees
(I) All expenses during the workshop will be fully covered by the organizers, including:
- Courses, lectures, forums, and cultural experiences
-
Insurance, accommodation (5 nights), meals
-
Transportation between Tainan and Taitung
(II) Partial Transportation Subsidies Provided by the Organizers
1. Currently Enrolled Students (Domestic and International):
The organizers will subsidize transportation costs between the participant’s residence in Taiwan and the workshop venues for Taiwan High-Speed Rail or Taiwan Railways travel. Reimbursement will be provided upon submission of valid proof of purchase.
2. Participants Residing Overseas:
Each overseas participant is eligible for a maximum subsidy of NT$30,000 toward international airfare, reimbursed upon submission of valid proof of purchase. The subsidy limits are as follows:
- Participants from Asian countries: up to NT$15,000 per person
- Participants from non-Asian countries: up to NT$30,000 per person
3. Dual Eligibility:
Participants who qualify under both categories above are eligible to receive subsidies from both.
VII. Course Content
The workshop focuses on literary translation practice, master lectures, forums, and immersive cultural experience. Key highlights include:
(I) Creative concept shared by Taiwan writers, complemented by mentor-led, hands-on English translation sessions.
(II) Guided tours of Tainan city, literary and cultural walking experiences, and visits to exhibitions at the NMTL.
(III) Specialized lectures and forums on translating and publishing Taiwan literature, including translation practice, publishing market trends, and literary translator career development.
(IV) Visits to Indigenous communities’ literary and cultural heritage sites: led by Indigenous writers, offering participants an opportunity to explore the diverse voices and cultural backgrounds of Taiwan literature
VIII. Mentor Introduction
Jeremy Tiang
Jeremy Tiang has translated over thirty books from Chinese, including novels by Lo Yi-Chin, Huang Chong-Kai, Zhang Yueran, Shuang Xuetao and Yeng Pway Ngon. He also writes and translates plays, including the bilingual Salesman之死, which won the 2024 Obie Award for Outstanding New Play. His novel State of Emergency won the Singapore Literature Prize, and he is the co-editor with Dr. Kavita Bhanot of Violent Phenomena: 21 Essays on Translation. From 2021 to 2024, he led the Literature from Taiwan strand of the BCLT Translation Summer School. Originally from Singapore, he now lives in New York City.
IX. Application Process
Step 1
Download the application form from the NMTL official website (www.nmtl.gov.tw) or the Arts and Cultural Activities platform. Complete the application in English, including translation samples.
Step 2
Fill in your personal information on the NMTL’s Arts and Cultural Activities platform and upload the following files:
- Application form (including translation sample): filename “Application Form_Applicant Name” (please upload as a PDF)
- Translation works: Along with the required translation sample, applicants must submit relevant Chinese-to-English literary translation works (published or unpublished). Please upload these files using the format “Author_WorkTitle_Applicant Name”
- Proof of enrollment (for current students): Please upload a verification document with the filename “Proof_of_Enrollment_Applicant Name”
X. Application Guidelines
(I) All application documents must be submitted in English, except for Chinese names.
(II) Please use a valid email address; all notifications will be sent via email.
(III) Selection results will be sent via email by September 30, 2025.
XI. Important Notes
(I) Selected participants are required to attend the entire workshop and participate in all course activities arranged by the organizer. Participants must submit feedback forms after the event.
(II) Domestic participants must pay a refundable deposit of NT$3,000, which will be fully refunded upon full attendance. No refund will be issued for partial or incomplete participation. International participants are exempt from the deposit but must sign a letter of commitment. Unless approved by the organizer due to special circumstances, airfare subsidies will not be provided for incomplete participation. Transportation subsidies for eligible participants will be processed according to actual reimbursement standards.
(III) This workshop is non-profit in nature. The organizer provides meals and accommodation for participants (youth hostels or hotel twin rooms, with individual beds assigned per participant and separate rooms by biological sex).
(IV) Application form must be completed by the applicant, ensuring no involvement in illegal activities or infringement of others’ rights. The use of AI-generated, reproduced, synthesized, or similar methods is strictly prohibited. In the case where false information is or violations are provided, the organizer reserves the right to revoke the selection.
(V) The organizer reserves the right to increase or adjust the number of selected participants depending on application status.
(VI) Photography and videography will be conducted during the workshop for future promotional use. Please notify in advance if you do not consent.
(VII) For matters not covered in these guidelines, the organizer holds the right to interpret and amend the rules. In the event of government announcements regarding work or school suspension due to weather or other force majeure, the workshop will be postponed, with new dates announced separately.
XII. Contact Information
For any inquiries, please contact Ms. Cheng at the executing organization Tainan Sprout Association via phone: +886-975-122-873 or mail: trueflow@howyoungtaiwan.org. Alternatively, you may email the organizer, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, at nmtl2022@gmail.com.
We cordially welcome those passionate about literary translation to embark on this journey of Taiwan literature together!