Translation Flows in the European Book Market: A Comparative Analysis of Source Language Structures in Translations (2014–2024)

This article examines the role of translations in the European book market, focusing on the relationship between domestic production and translated literature, as well as the structure of source languages in translations. Particular attention is given to the position of English as the dominant language, alongside major European languages and Slovene as a minor language.

The study is based on an analysis of national bibliographic data from six European book markets (Sweden, Slovenia, Catalonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Spain) for the period 2014–2024. The data, collected through legal deposit systems, were analysed using comparative and descriptive statistical methods. The share of translated litera­ture and the proportions of individual source languages were calculated. The results show that the share of translated literature remains stable over time and is higher in smaller language markets. English clearly dominates as a source language, accounting for more than half of all translations in most analysed countries. Other major Euro­pean languages, particularly French and German, maintain a stable but significantly smaller role, while Slovene as a source language remains extremely marginal. The stu­dy relies on national bibliographic data, which include non-commercial publications and exclude digital production. Additional limitations arise from differences in data collection methodologies across countries and incomplete data for the most recent years. The study provides a comparative insight into the structure of translation flows in European book markets and confirms the hierarchical nature of the translation sy­stem. It contributes to understanding the position of smaller languages and may serve as a basis for cultural and publishing policy development.