Cynthia Hahn

Cynthia Hahn is a Professor of French and Chair of the Modern Languages and Literatures department at Lake Forest College. She holds a PhD in Francophone literature from the University of Illinois and has extensive academic and professional experience in France, Canada, and Lebanon. Her teaching focuses on French language instruction, literary translation, and cultural studies.

Education highlights include:

• PhD, University of Illinois (Francophone literature)
• MA, Purdue University
• BA, Rosary College (Dominican University)
• Advanced coursework at Université Laval (Québec) and Université de Besançon (France)
• Certificat de français économique et commercial from Paris Chamber of Commerce

Research interests center on Francophone literatures and cultural expressions, with particular focus on:

• Translation ethics and transnational authorship
• Women’s issues in Lebanon and Tunisia
• French cinema movements
• Globalization of culture
• Poetry writing and creative translation

Recent articles and translations explore themes of cultural memory, trauma narratives, and postcolonial identity, particularly in Francophone Africa and the Middle East. Her work often bridges academic critique with creative expression through bilingual publications.

Notable awards include the Trustee Award for Teaching Excellence (2014) and Bird Award for Intellectual Contributions (1998). She has received research grants from institutions like the Mellon Foundation and American Institute of Maghrib Studies.

Academic service includes advising Lake Forest College’s study abroad programs and leading translation workshops. She co-founded Chicago Area Translator’s Association panels and has curated events at the Newberry Library and Alliance Française de Chicago.

Her creative works include poetry volumes Co-ïncidences and Outside-In-Sideout, published in France and the U.S., showcasing her exploration of intercultural themes through verse.