Many laureates over the years have written in their native languages, yet their works have transcended borders, thanks to the power of translation. Here’s why their journeys matter and why you should explore their worlds.

2023: Jon Fosse

Jon Fosse writes in Nynorsk, a minority written form of Norwegian, and yet his deeply introspective works have resonated across the globe. His minimalist style, which often feels like a meditative chant, proves that authenticity matters more than language dominance. Fosse’s Septology series, translated into several languages, highlights how stories rooted in local cultures can achieve universal appeal.

2022: Annie Ernaux

Annie Ernaux, who writes in French, is a testament to the power of personal narratives. Her works—often deeply autobiographical—have been translated into numerous languages, making her a global voice for memory, gender, and class. Aspiring writers can learn from Ernaux’s honesty and from how translation has amplified her intimate stories to inspire readers worldwide.

2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah

Born in Zanzibar and writing in English, Abdulrazak Gurnah’s novels explore the ripple effects of colonialism and displacement. However, his early influences were drawn from the Swahili storytelling traditions of his upbringing. His global recognition shows how blending local perspectives with universal themes can captivate a worldwide audience. Translators play a key role here, ensuring stories like Gurnah’s remain accessible and impactful.

2020: Louise Glück

Louise Glück’s poetry, though originally in English, is a reminder of how language-specific works can reach universal heights through translation. Her collections, such as The Wild Iris, have been translated into multiple languages, proving that the emotional truths in poetry transcend linguistic barriers. For young poets and translators, Glück’s global reception underscores the need for collaboration between creators and linguistic interpreters.

2019: Peter Handke

Austrian writer Peter Handke, who writes in German, emphasizes observation and the mundane in his prose. Works like The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick have been translated into numerous languages, expanding his audience far beyond German-speaking countries. Handke’s journey exemplifies how translation can transform hyper-local stories into international masterpieces.

2018: Olga Tokarczuk

Polish author Olga Tokarczuk’s non-linear, philosophical narratives are a shining example of how deeply cultural works can achieve global fame. Flights, a genre-defying exploration of movement and travel, owes much of its success to skilled translations. Tokarczuk’s rise highlights the importance of preserving cultural uniqueness while reaching international readers.

2017: Kazuo Ishiguro

Although Kazuo Ishiguro writes in English, his Japanese heritage infuses his storytelling with a rich cultural depth. His novels, such as Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day, have been translated into countless languages, proving that cultural specificity and emotional universality go hand in hand.

The Role of Translation and Local Languages

Many of the laureates over the years have written exclusively in their native languages. Take, for instance, Gabriel García Márquez, whose Spanish works like One Hundred Years of Solitude gained global fame through translation. Or Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate, whose Bengali works were brought to international audiences through English translations.

For young writers, this is a crucial lesson: you don’t need to write in English to be heard. Write in the language closest to your heart. For aspiring translators, the message is clear: your work is vital in bridging cultures and voices.

Why These Authors Matter

The Nobel laureates remind us that great literature often begins with a deep connection to local roots. Translations breathe life into these works for a global audience, allowing stories to cross linguistic and cultural boundaries. Whether you’re drawn to Fosse’s minimalist prose, Tokarczuk’s philosophical webs, or Ernaux’s intimate memoirs, remember this: language is not a barrier to recognition—it’s a gateway to diversity and understanding. Write, translate, and read with that in mind.