As an opportunity to reflect on the importance of translating into Spanish-language the ancestral knowledge that has been transmitted from generation to generation by the native communities of Latin America, Filbo 2023 set out to have spaces in which to socialize and discuss the importance of protecting this source of information.

Mileidy Dominicó, a woman from the Embera Eyabida indigenous people (from Antioquia), stated:

From poetry and conversational talks, roots and language are rescued, which, like Spanish-language, belong to Colombian culture.

Diversity Spaces

Among the scenarios that have stood out during the 35th edition of the Bogotá International Book Fair, which runs until next Tuesday, May 2, the Editorial Translation Forum, which brought together translators, editors, professors, and students around the editorial exercise, left important conclusions and a call for the protection and dissemination of traditional knowledge.

Likewise, through the Professional Conferences strip, Filbo 2023 has arranged different spaces for reflection and training for the actors of the international chain, offering different business opportunities.

This event, which was held with the support of the Colombian Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (ACCTI), brought together the editorial community seeking to defend and promote the professional rights of translation and interpretation in the country.

Active role

Dominicó, who is an audiovisual producer and inheritor of the knowledge of ancestral fabrics, was one of the participants of the Editorial Translation Forum that stood out the most, taking the opportunity to leave important reflections during the discussion ‘Translation of indigenous oralitures.’

Filbo highlighted how during the discussion ways were explored for Colombians to learn and identify the roots and languages of different indigenous peoples, thus offering a meaning in Spanish-language to their Emberá and Wayuu words, maintaining the original text or even improving its beauty.

“Our own languages are thought, and in thought is the cycle of life. A language or a word that fades distances the community from its identity and cultural part,” highlighted Dominicó.

The Professional Conferences, which include style correction talks, spaces for reflection on the practice of journalism and business roundtables in the publishing sector, among others, will last until May 2.

Artistic and Cultural Integration

Filbo 2023 has also exalted the roots of the Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations of Colombia through a tribute to literature, journalism, orality, music, ancestral knowledge, and culture.

These activities have had the support of the USAID Ethnic Meeting Program and ACDI/VOCA, which have participated in a transversal way in the different talks and forums of the Fair.

For its part, the closing show, entitled ‘Music, knowledge, letters and gathering,’ will be in charge of Tostao, Kike Riascos, Iris Curvelo and young talent from the Exotic Rhythm Movement, a space in which they will talk about the impact of music on the traditions of the country's history and how it represents its culture.