Iranian author Razi Hirmandi picked for ALMA
Razi Hirmandi, a renowned Iranian author, translator, and humor researcher, was chosen as Iran’s representative for the translation category of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA).
The International Federation of Translators (FIT) has expanded its award categories for 2024, including the addition of a translation award to the ALMA. Following FIT’s call for submissions from member associations, including the Translators and Interpreters’ Association of Tehran, the association’s Children and Young Adult Literature Translation Working Group held coordination meetings to select a representative despite the short notice. After reviewing candidates’ backgrounds, Razi Hirmandi was chosen as Iran’s representative for the inaugural translation award, IRNA reported.
Hirmandi began his literary career for children and young adults in 1976 with the translation of ‘The Giving Tree’ by American author Shel Silverstein. He has worked in both translation and authorship, producing over 170 works that have earned him several prestigious awards.
The Translators and Interpreters’ Association of Tehran has been a member of FIT since 2016 and has actively participated in various FIT working groups, aiming to enhance international opportunities for Iranian translators. The association holds international positions within FIT, including the secretariat of the Asian Center and membership in the Book Translation and Copyright, Translation and Artificial Intelligence, and Legal Translation working groups.