Retired lecturer's triumph over Disgrace

CATHERINE Lauga, a French lecturer who retired from UCT last year, has won the prestigious Prix Baudelaire de Traduction for her translation into French of Disgrace, the acclaimed novel by UCT's Emeritus Professor JM Coetzee.

Lauga has a long-standing relationship with Coetzee's works, having translated Dusklands and Boyhood Scenes from Provincial Life before tackling Disgrace. She is currently in the final, pre-publication stage of the continuation of Coetzee's autobiography, Youth.

Coetzee is not the only author to whom Lauga has applied her attentions. She has also translated books by Mike Nicol, as well as those by prominent African writers such as Zakes Mda, including the latter's Ways of Dying and The Heart of Redness.

The Prix Baudelaire de Traduction, awarded by the British Council, is deserved recognition of Lauga's work, says Vanessa Everson, a lecturer in French Studies Section. "For those who are familiar with Lauga's work, it comes as no surprise that her career as a successful translator should be crowned by official and public recognition," Everson adds.

"Translating is a gift. Catherine Lauga has that gift. Truly talented translators increase readership significantly and create access to works of literature. When someone does that as well as Catherine Lauga, congratulations are indeed in order."

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