Poetry translations from the university’s journal make the longlist for a leading anthology

Recognition on an international stage

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is earning recognition for its contributions to literary translation. Four works published in its World Poetry Review journal recently made the 2026 longlist for Best Literary Translations, an annual anthology from Deep Vellum.

Moreover, one of these translations secured a spot for publication: Kate Deimling translated six poems by French poet Gabriel Zimmerman into English. This milestone highlights both the program’s quality and World Poetry Review’s role as a platform for student-led multilingual translation.

A program built on practice

Since 2016, UConn’s literary translation program has given students hands-on experience translating poetry, prose, and dramatic texts into English. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic accuracy, cultural nuance, and stylistic fidelity.

Under the direction of translator and editor Peter Constantine, the program features collaborative workshops, courses in translation theory, and publication opportunities. Students translate from a wide range of source languages, including French, Bulgarian, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. Additionally, they receive direct mentorship from faculty and industry professionals.

Constantine, who edits World Poetry Review, noted that this recognition reflects the high level of work produced by students in the program.

Momentum in the field

Last year, Jonathan Dunne’s translation of Bulgarian poet Yordan Eftimov appeared in the 2025 edition of Best Literary Translations. Now, this marks the second consecutive year that World Poetry Review has contributed to the anthology. As a result, UConn’s program continues to gain visibility within the international translation community.

Furthermore, recent grants and awards from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and PEN/Heim have supported UConn students. These honors reinforce the university’s reputation as a strong foundation for emerging literary translators.

As UConn prepares for its next academic cycle, faculty, and students look ahead to further advancing the university’s impact on global literary translation.