Season 2 Launch Party: Paraphrasis – A Podcast on Literary Translation

Translation has always been at the heart of comparative literature—not just as a tool for moving words from one language to another, but as a creative and interpretive act in its own right. Every translation reflects a unique reading of the source text, shaped by the translator’s stylistic voice, choices, and insights. In this way, talking about translation opens up fresh ways of understanding both the original and its new version.

That’s the spirit behind Paraphrasis, a podcast from Harvard Department of Comparative Literature that explores the art and craft of literary translation. Each episode features conversations with experienced translators and emerging scholars. The starting point is simple: how did they fall in love with the work they chose to translate? From there, the dialogue unfolds—sometimes intimate, often profound—shedding light on the creative and intellectual journeys behind bringing literature across languages.

Season 2 drops in May 2025 on Substack, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

All are welcome to our launch party at Dana-Palmer House on May 8, 2025. Refreshments will be served.

We can’t wait to share these amazing stories with you!