Location: Remote (Open to candidates across India)
Experience: Experience in translating Malayalam to English (Profile 1) or active use of AI translation tools with Malayalam familiarity (Profile 2)
Compensation: ₹60,000 (fixed stipend for the full fellowship duration)
Closes on: 25 May 2026
Ashoka Centre for Translation & Indic Digital Archive Foundation
The Ashoka Centre for Translation (ACT) at Ashoka University works to advance the study and practice of translation across India's many languages. The Indic Digital Archive Foundation (IDAF) focuses on preserving and expanding access to India's literary and cultural heritage through digital tools. Together, they support the people who carry language across borders, both human and machine. Read more
Role
This six-week summer fellowship brings together literary translators and AI tool users to work side by side. Each pair will produce two parallel English translations of the same Malayalam prose text one done by hand, one with AI help. The goal is to understand what each method can and cannot do, and why.
Responsibilities
- Work in a pair to produce two parallel translations (one manual, one AI-assisted) of a short Malayalam prose text (1,200–1,500 words) into English
- Keep a detailed record of every challenge, choice, and decision made during the translation process
- Send weekly progress updates and reports to the fellowship coordinator and mentor
- Take in feedback from the coordinator, mentor, and possibly the original author
- Write a full comparative report of your process at the end of the fellowship
- Present your findings at Bhashavaad 3.0, the National Translation Conference, in New Delhi in August 2026
Requirements
Profile 1: Literary Translators
- Strong command of literary Malayalam and a genuine interest in translation
- Some demonstrated experience in translating Malayalam to English (published work is a plus, but not required)
- No specific academic degree required emerging translators and students are welcome
Profile 2: AI Translation Tool Users
- Regular, confident use of AI translation tools with good knowledge of prompting
- Interest in literary translation and how AI handles language
- Familiarity with Malayalam language and literature is preferred
- Students or degree holders in a relevant field may apply
Common Requirements
- Ability to work collaboratively within shared timelines
- Clear written communication in English
- Willingness to reflect critically and document your process thoroughly
Benefits
- ₹60,000 fixed stipend paid upon submission and approval of deliverables
- Mentorship from an expert Malayalam to English translator and the Co-directors of ACT
- Possible opportunity to attend and present at Bhashavaad 3.0 National Translation Conference in New Delhi (August 2026)
- Chance to contribute to meaningful research on AI and human translation in Indian languages
- Fully remote participate from anywhere in India
Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the following button before 25 May 2026
- You may apply individually or as a pair (one from each profile)
- Final pairs will be formed by a jury from ACT and IDAF along with the fellowship mentor
- For questions, write to [email protected]
Profile 1 (Literary Translators)
Profile 2 (AI Translation Tool Users)
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