TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Museum of Taiwan Literature and the UK’s National Centre for Writing have signed an agreement to train translators of Taiwanese literature into English, CNA reported Wednesday.
Economic Daily News reported that Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) witnessed the signing in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. The agreement creates a “Literature from Taiwan” category in the National Centre for Writing’s mentorship program for emerging translators.
The program accepts applicants worldwide who are interested in translating Taiwanese literature into English. Participants will receive mentoring and professional training to improve their translation skills and deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s literary works.
Li said Taiwan and the UK have a long history of cultural cooperation. He said the partnership could strengthen those ties and introduce more Taiwanese writers and books to British readers.
National Centre for Writing Chair Alan Waters said the organization had already been promoting Taiwanese literature before the agreement was signed. In 2024, it hosted two translators of Taiwanese literature and worked with The Strangers Press to publish five booklets featuring translated works from Taiwan.
Waters said the 2026-27 mentorship program received 16 applications. He said the number reflected strong international interest in translating Taiwanese literature.
The two organizations plan to expand their cooperation in 2027. Waters said they expect to develop a translator residency program and hold a Taiwanese literature festival in Norwich in spring 2027.
A UNESCO City of Literature is a city recognized for its literary heritage and support for books, writers, and reading. There are 63 worldwide, including six in the UK: Edinburgh, Norwich, Nottingham, Manchester, Exeter, and Aberystwyth.
