The Arab Observatory for Translation... We Are All Partners in Its Mission

Abstract

Arab Translation Observatory and its significance for researchers and readers in the Arab world. In this article, Prof. Sherif Shahin academically sheds light on the Observatory, highlighting its comprehensive database of works translated into Arabic from 1827 to the present. This represents a massive scholarly endeavor. As Prof. Shahin notes, “In the fourth century AH, "al-Nadeem" presented the first attempt in the world at bibliographic monitoring and documentation of manuscripts of that era under the title "Al-Fihrist." Subsequently, scholars’ efforts in this field continued in pursuit of bibliographic control through bibliographies, indexes, abstracting bulletins, printed catalogs, and other tools. In the domain of monitoring and documenting translations from and into Arabic, numerous and diverse cultural works emerged, varying in subject matter, chronology, and geography, under titles, such as bibliography, bibliographic register, catalog, and the like. These efforts in bibliographic control persisted until humanity witnessed the practical application of databases.” The article then presents a set of significant findings and recommendations aimed at completing and sustaining this monumental project. These include linking translated works to their original versions in foreign languages and to other formats in which the translated work may have appeared, expanding access and enhancing discoverability, thereby facilitating publishers’ ability to reach a global audience. Readers, researchers, and those interested in translated books are no longer constrained by geographical location or traditional print distribution services, as books can now be accessed from anywhere in the world. Additionally, advanced analyses and insights, supporting mobile reading, and enabling the identification of the latest translated titles can also be provided, and improved distribution and marketing channels can be accomodated.