Grace Calk.jpg
Grace Calk.jpg

It's All Greek to Me! Translating Ancient Greek with Grace Calk

$75.00

Saturday, October 3rd 1-4pm

How many ways can you translate a poem? Is it possible to write a “literal” translation? Is there such a thing as an “incorrect” translation? Come translate the Ancient Greek poet Sappho with us and see for yourself!

Students will be provided with two of Sappho’s poems and an English gloss (don’t worry, you don’t need to know any Ancient Greek!). Since translation is a great way to explore and reflect on how we communicate ideas and experiences, this workshop is perfect for writers interested in the process of writing in general and the interrogation of creative choices. 

During the workshop, we’ll explore how a single poem can be translated in multiple ways, and how different interpretations of any given word lead to a myriad of tough choices. We’ll talk about how previous translations, damaged papyrus, and Ancient Greek culture might affect our translations. Students will leave class with a deeper understanding of translation’s complexities and a few of their own translations of Sappho!

Saturday, October 3rd 1-4pm

How many ways can you translate a poem? Is it possible to write a “literal” translation? Is there such a thing as an “incorrect” translation? Come translate the Ancient Greek poet Sappho with us and see for yourself!

Students will be provided with two of Sappho’s poems and an English gloss (don’t worry, you don’t need to know any Ancient Greek!). Since translation is a great way to explore and reflect on how we communicate ideas and experiences, this workshop is perfect for writers interested in the process of writing in general and the interrogation of creative choices. 

During the workshop, we’ll explore how a single poem can be translated in multiple ways, and how different interpretations of any given word lead to a myriad of tough choices. We’ll talk about how previous translations, damaged papyrus, and Ancient Greek culture might affect our translations. Students will leave class with a deeper understanding of translation’s complexities and a few of their own translations of Sappho!

Grace Calk is a literary translator from Ancient Greek. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College and an MA in Literary Translation from the University of East Anglia (working with the British Centre for Literary Translation). She is the translator-author of Sappho: A Translating, slated to be published in September, 2026 by Sun Thief Press.

About Grace

We are proud to offer a fully funded seat in each of our classes. To apply, send a cover letter and CV to info@littleniceworkshop.com and include the class you’d like to attend in the subject line. The deadline for Fall 2026 scholarship applications is September 1st.

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