Recommendation 1135
(1990)
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- Assembly
debate on 2 October 1990 (16th Sitting) (see Doc. 6277, report
of the Committee on Culture and Education, Rapporteur : Mr Arnalds). Text
adopted by the Assembly on 2 October 1990 (16th Sitting).
- Thesaurus
1. The Assembly is concerned with
the survival of the rich and diversified European literary tradition.
3. Not only is literature in general threatened by the increasing
development of the audiovisual media as the main means of communication,
the commercialisation of books, and problems surrounding copyright
and the status of the writer, but the literatures of minor languages
are under particular threat.
4. The Assembly continues to favour linguistic diversity in Europe
as expressed in
Recommendation 814 (1977) on
modern languages in Europe and is particularly aware of the problems
of minor and minority languages (see
Recommendation 928 (1981) and
Opinion No. 142 (1988)).
A colloquy was held on the subject in Warsaw in December 1989 by
the Committee on Culture and Education.
5. Despite greatly increased knowledge of languages and general
education, which have removed prejudice between countries, radically
changed the attitudes of European nations towards one another and bridged
the gaps between the different language areas and cultural islands
in Europe, the translation of literary works remains an essential
means of linking the different cultural areas of Europe.
6. Literary translation is particularly necessary for minor languages,
in order that works written in these languages can be known more
generally and that the public using these languages may have access
to other literature.
7. Encouragement of literary translation, which can be distinguished
from scientific and technical translation, must be part of an overall
policy to promote literature and linguistic diversity.
8. The Council of Europe, in collaboration with other international
bodies, should promote literature and literary exchange in Europe
by specific action in support of literary translation.
9. The Assembly therefore asks the Committee of Ministers to :
a set up a European fund for literary
translation, involving bilateral or multilateral schemes for the
mutual translation and promotion of literary works, and with particular
emphasis on minor European languages ;
b encourage the establishment of institutions for literary
translators throughout Europe and co-ordinate co-operation between
such institutions, writers and publishers in a European network.
