Mukalla – The woman’s Faculty at Hadhramout University, in coordination with the Department of English Language and under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, organized an academic event titled “Translation Festival: From Text to Life” under the slogan “A Translator is the Eye of One Culture and the Voice of Another.” The event was held at the Salem Ahmed Wabran Hall on the college campus.
The festival was organized in celebration of International Translation Day, observed annually on 30 September, and reflects the pioneering role of the Girls’ College, which hosts the university’s first Master’s Program in Translation. This position has established the college as a leading center for academic and cultural engagement in the field of translation and intercultural communication.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Najat Bou Sabaa, Dean of the Girls’ College, welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of International Translation Day, a global occasion celebrated by universities and academic institutions around the world. She noted that Hadhramout University is proud to be part of this international academic and humanitarian movement.
Professor Bou Sabaa emphasized that translation is far more than the literal transfer of words; it is a cultural and civilizational act that conveys the spirit of a text while preserving its identity. She described the translator as an individual who observes one culture and gives it a voice that can be understood by another, making translation an essential tool for fostering diversity, dialogue, and mutual understanding among peoples.
For her part, Dr. Anisa Bin Azzoun, Head of the Department of English Language, praised the outstanding efforts of the department’s students in planning and organizing the festival. She commended their dedication and creativity, noting that the event reflected a strong sense of initiative, professionalism, and belonging to both the department and the college.
Dr. Bin Azzoun also applauded the academic and professional competencies demonstrated by the students of the English Language Department, highlighting their achievements in linguistic creativity and translation studies. She affirmed that the department continues to work toward preparing highly qualified translators capable of competing in the labor market and contributing effectively to society. She added that such festivals provide valuable practical opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
The event was attended by Prof. Khaled Balkhashar, faculty member at the college; Dr. Adeeb Al-Shatari, Director General of Media at Hadhramout University; a number of faculty members from the Department of English Language; and a large gathering of students who actively engaged with the festival’s activities.
The festival featured presentations, speeches, and interactive activities highlighting the vital role of translation in transferring knowledge, fostering intercultural communication, and transforming ideas “from text to life.”
