Translators Wanted for French-English Indochina Literature

Angkor Wat Devata - West Gopura
Angkor Wat Devata – West Gopura

French colonial period scholars and adventurers created hundreds of profound studies of the Khmer Empire and their rich cultural legacy that still resonates throughout Southeast Asia. They also passionately wrote about sublime and painful relationships and romances that blossomed between Easterners and Westerners.

Most of these French books, novels and articles are long out-of-print and forgotten. But almost none have ever been translated into the English language. This is why we are seeking interested translators to bring select French works of Indochina literature into English.

As Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam progress towards brighter futures, they are experiencing a renaissance of self-awareness. People from this region and around the world are becoming more interested in learning about their heritage, history and culture, much of which was studied and recorded in French.

Devata.org and DatAsia Press focus on restoring works related to the role of women in in the region, folktales and legends, Khmer history and the art of Cambodian dance.

Titles completed include:

Cambodian Dancers Ancient & Modern by George Groslier, 2010 edition.
Cambodian Dancers Ancient & Modern by George Groslier, 2010 edition.

George Groslier’s 1913 work,
Cambodian Dancers Ancient & Modern,

"Tales of the Hare" translated by Chhany Sak-Humphry presents 27 classic folktales from Cambodia in Khmer and English.
“Tales of the Hare” translated by Chhany Sak-Humphry presents 27 classic folktales from Cambodia in Khmer and English.

Chhanny Sak-Humphy’s bi-lingual English and Khmer rendition of
Tales of the Hare 27 Classic Folktales of Cambodia;

Women's Wile's - Cambodian Legends Collected by G. H. Monod. Translated to English by Solang Uk.
Women’s Wile’s – Cambodian Legends Collected by G. H. Monod. Translated to English by Solang Uk.

Solang Uk’s English translation of G. H. Monod’s 1922 work
Women’s Wiles
Cambodian Legends Collected by G. H. Monod

La Terre de Bouddha – Artistic Impressions of French Indochina. Front cover.
La Terre de Bouddha – Artistic Impressions of French Indochina. Front cover.

La Terre de Bouddha
Artistic Impressions of French Indochina

We have a number of antique French texts in progress. Each one can offer modern readers new perspectives and knowledge about the people of Indochina and their relationships with the West. French transcription is complete for many titles, expert literary translators are needed to refine the works for final publication in English.

Publication costs for the new French-English editions are privately subsidized as there is little or no commercial value for these works. Limited compensation for translation assistance is available, however the primary motivation should be a passion for these topics, a publication credit and making a significant contribution to the field of Southeast Asian cultural studies. All translators will receive copies of the completed book(s) and professional recognition in press releases, academic credits and online media.

If you are interested in helping as a credited French-English literary translator please contact me directly.

kentdavis@gmail.com