Amaia Gabantxo Discusses Her Journey as a Basque Translator and Contemporary Basque Literature

Gabantxo grew up bilingual in the Basque Country, initially learning in Spanish due to the suppression of the Basque language during Franco’s dictatorship. She eventually received her education in Basque during high school. With a natural talent for languages, she also learned English and French. After high school, she traveled to Northern Ireland to perfect her English in preparation for applying to the School of Translators of Granada. There, a supportive teacher encouraged her to pursue studies in the UK, leading to her acceptance at Ulster University where she studied English and Irish literature.

Her final thesis focused on the narratives of conflict in works by Northern Irish author Bernard McLaverty and Basque author Bernardo Atxaga, which piqued her interest in translating directly from Basque. Gabantxo was inspired to pursue literary translation further after realizing that many Basque authors’ works were filtered through Spanish translations.

Contemporary Basque literature, according to Gabantxo, is characterized by its paradoxical nature—written in one of Europe’s oldest languages yet representing one of the youngest literary systems. Basque writers are creating a literary tradition, marked by a sense of freedom and experimentation due to the lack of a long-established literary history.

While Berando Atxaga is widely recognized among English readers, Gabantxo argues that translations should be made directly from Basque, as they differ significantly from Spanish versions in tone and style. She believes that this practice reflects broader issues of cultural appropriation and colonization.

Gabantxo highlighted the need for more English translations of notable Basque authors, including Gabriel Aresti and Kirmen Uribe, as well as a desire to amplify the voices of female authors in Basque literature. She has translated various works, contributing to collections like those published by the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada Press.

She expressed enthusiasm for Harkaitz Cano’s novels, noting his unique narrative style and ability to explore complex themes. Gabantxo described translating Cano’s works as a rewarding yet challenging process, which involved deep engagement with the text and extensive research, particularly for intricate scenes.

As she continues her work in translation, Gabantxo advised aspiring translators to remain persistent, engage with other translators, and refine their craft. She emphasized the importance of editing and approachability to feedback, recognizing the collaborative nature of the translation process.

Gabantxo remains dedicated to translating works that represent diverse voices within Basque literature, looking forward to introducing more authors to an American audience.