On September 24, 2026, Group 110 students of the educational programme “6B02301 -Translation Studies” participated in the professional discussion “Stories Without Borders: What Stories Captivate Readers Around the World?” held at Literary House “1000 Kitap”.
The students’ participation was initiated by their group supervisor, Candidate of Philological Sciences and Professor Zhampeiis Kuralay Maikenqyzy. To broaden the future translators’ professional knowledge and familiarise them with real processes in contemporary literature and international publishing, the group supervisor initiated the students’ participation in this professional event.
The guest speakers were Tra May, an editor of a contemporary literary publication and the international publishing and distribution manager for “To Hell with Poets”, and writer Baqytgul Sarmekova, the author of the book.
The discussion addressed opportunities for Kazakhstani authors to enter the international literary market, the criteria foreign publishers use to select new writers, the roles of translators and literary agents, and the mechanisms involved in promoting and distributing books internationally. The speakers also shared the story of how “To Hell with Poets” progressed towards international publication.
Participation in the event gave the students an opportunity to examine the professional journey of a book from author to reader and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of literary translation in bringing national literature to an international audience. The future translators also gained practical insight into publishing, editing, literary representation, and intercultural communication within the contemporary book industry.
The group supervisor’s initiative helped the students connect their academic knowledge with real professional practice, broaden their understanding of the field, and recognise that translators build bridges not only between languages but also between cultures, writers, and readers.
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