Creative Translation in the Age of AI

University of East Anglia, Norwich, 28-29 May 2026

Plenary Speakers: James Hadley (Trinity College Dublin) – Lily Robert-Foley (Université Paul Valéry–Montpellier III) – Ricarda Vidal (King’s College London).

The PETRA-E Network is delighted to announce its third open conference on literary translation, hosted by the British Centre for Literary Translation.

There is much discussion at present about the impact of generative artificial intelligence on the world of literary translation, and translator organisations have been understandably circumspect, but as the perceived threat of AI intensifies, so too does interest in the uniquely human factors that translators bring to their work. This conference will focus on the human creativity that is resistant to the rise of AI – on the extent to which the literary translator can be considered an original author, how creativity and experimentation can be cultivated in the classroom, how a translator’s creativity might need to be constrained and how it thrives on constraints. The focus will be on two questions in particular:

• What kinds of creative approach are available to literary translators?
• To what extent is creativity in translation (still) the exclusive preserve of human translators?

The conference will provide an opportunity to review historical perspectives, take stock of recent developments and take the creative pulse of literary translation today, in theory and practice.

This will be a hybrid conference, and 20-minute papers may be read in person or online. Proposals from early career researchers are encouraged, and discounted conference registration will be available to postgraduate participants as well as to scholars affiliated to PETRA-E Network member institutions. There will be a dedicated poster session, with competitive travel bursaries available to enable postgraduate poster presenters to attend in person.

Proposals will be particularly welcome on all aspects of the PETRA-E Framework. PETRA-E (petra-education.eu) is a network that brings together over 30 organisations dedicated to teaching and training literary translators under a common framework of professional competences, across Europe and beyond. The conference welcomes contributions from Network members and non-members.

Please submit your proposal using this online form. Submission deadline: 12 January 2026.

Accepted papers will be confirmed by 28 January, and registration will open in early February. Any questions should be directed to bclt@uea.ac.uk.

The organisers gratefully acknowledge the support of the University of London Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies.