Student triumphs in translation

Efa Mared Edwards, a postgraduate student in Cardiff University’s School of Welsh, is celebrating the launch of her Welsh language translation of Linda Davies’ English children’s novel, Longbow Girl.

The translation, which becomes Meistres y Bwa Hir, was launched at a special event held at Jury’s Inn hotel in Cardiff on Friday 27 November 2015.

Efa graduated with a first class degree in Welsh earlier this year and is now studying for an MA in Welsh and Celtic Studies. During the summer Efa worked with Atebol Press, a leading educational publishers, near Aberystwyth when she was given the opportunity to translate the novel.

The Longbow Girl in the translated version is a 15 year old by the name of Mari. She lives in a farm in the Brecon Beacons and comes from a long line of longbow masters although she is the first girl amongst them. Mari comes across an old copy of the Mabinogion which leads to a major discovery which will save the farm and her family.

Efa said about the experience: “This semester I am concentrating on translating children’s literature, and so my experience during the summer has been invaluable. Although, there is a bit of a difference between translating children’s picture books and adventure novels for teenagers! Each is challenging in different ways.”

Dr Dylan Foster Evans, who is responsible for the MA Welsh and Celtic Studies, added: “The School of Welsh takes great pride in Efa’s success. Children’s literature and translation studies are key specialisms within the School. It is fantastic, therefore, to see Efa developing her skills in the professional publishing world.

“As a School, we are eager to support our students’ employability and help prepare them for life beyond University. We help to nurture skills and provide opportunities that will enable them to make their mark on 21^st century bilingual Wales.”