CQU PhD student based in Melbourne Ali Darwish has been selected to receive the Gibran International Literary Award for 2007 for his book titled ‘Language, Translation and Identity in the Age of the Internet, Satellite Television and Directed Media’.

The Award also recognises Ali’s outstanding work in the areas of translation and linguistics.

Ali said it was a great honour to receive this most coveted award.

“It is indeed a turning point in my life. I am humbled by the long list of illustrious names of those who have preceded me to this honour. It is such an awesome responsibility to follow in the footsteps of such great people, and I am very proud to receive this recognition for my work in translation and linguistics.”.

The Gibran International Literary Award has been given annually in Australia for the past 26 years to people who have excelled in the fields of arts, science, technology and academia and who have made outstanding contributions to society.

Ali will receive the award at a dinner function in late April. The function will be attended by members of federal, state and local governments, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries.

Ali’s research at CQU involves translation issues in Arabic television, specifically AlJazeera. He is the editor of an international journal, as well as an author.

Photo: Ali Darwish.