Why translating literature is sometimes impossible | Mariam Mansuryan | TEDxYouth@ISPrague

One of the most exciting aspects of living in the 21st Century is the opportunity to experience literature from around the world. But except for the languages we’re fluent in, most of us depend on translations. How easily do literary devices and effects survive translation from one language to another? Are there some aspects of literature that simply can’t be translated at all? Using examples from Armenian, Russian and English, Mariam argues that, sometimes, ideas really can be ‘lost in translation’. This talk began as an applied linguistics project in the winter and spring of 2015, when Mariam presented the results of her research to a panel of academics at Charles University in Prague. Mariam moved from her native Armenia and joined the International School of Prague’s high school in 2015. Already fluent in Armenian and Russian, she quickly developed skills in English. Her curiosity about translation was sparked when she began reading and comparing fiction in several languages. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at