Durham students contribute to new Institut Ramon Llull publication celebrating Catalan literature

A celebration of translation, language and cultural exchange

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is delighted to celebrate the contribution of Durham students to Un tast de literatura – De Xarxa Llull al món: Territori, llengua, cuina, a new publication by the Institut Ramon Llull.

The volume brings together literary texts connected with Catalan language, culture and territory, showcasing the richness and diversity of Catalan literary expression and its international reach.

The publication also features a preface by Professor H. Rosi Song (available below), introducing readers to the themes and significance of the collection. Her contribution reflects wider research interests explored through the Durham-led research project RELISH (Reframing European gastronomy Legacy through Innovation, Sustainability and Heritage), particularly the connections between cultural heritage, territory, language, memory and the ways traditions are transmitted and reinterpreted across generations and communities.

Durham students’ translation work

A group of Durham students contributed the translation of one of the texts included in the volume, working under the guidance of Lecturer Elsa Sala Gonzalo.

The student translators involved in the project were: Louis Campion; Aggie Chow; Emily Corker; Florence Fitzpatrick; Thomas Pullan; Konrad Ramsey; Iris Rodriguez; James Weir; Alexandra Wishart.

Their English translation of “The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth” (pp. 30–40) is featured in the volume.

Their work demonstrates the linguistic skills, creativity and cultural awareness developed through the study of languages and translation at Durham.

The importance of studying Catalan

Studying Catalan allows students to engage with one of Europe’s most vibrant linguistic and cultural traditions. Spoken by millions of people across Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Andorra and other communities, Catalan has a rich literary heritage and a dynamic contemporary cultural presence.

Through Catalan language and literature, students explore different histories, identities and forms of artistic expression, while developing valuable skills in intercultural communication and translation.

Projects such as this publication highlight the importance of linguistic diversity and demonstrate how translation can create connections between communities, allowing literary voices to travel across languages and borders.

Celebrating student achievement

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures warmly congratulates Elsa Sala Gonzalo and all the students involved in this achievement.

Their contribution to Un tast de literatura – De Xarxa Llull al món: Territori, llengua, cuina is an excellent example of the opportunities offered by language study and the role students can play in promoting cultural exchange through translation.