I've been meaning to finish reading this collection of essays (pdf, alas) from the European cultural foundation, on Arab literature & translation - a topic that's been much on my mind of late.

So, well, I guess now I'd better.

Right fascinating thus far, e.g.:

"In the Arabic language the term “memoirs” (mudhakkirat) was not to appear until the as a loan translation from French. Its entrance in the lexicon is connected to the advent marks the emergence of new concepts of identity and a new role for literature."

Very glad to know about this. Thanks.