Luke Leafgren

Luke Leafgren holds multiple roles at Harvard University as a Lecturer on Comparative Literature, Lecturer on Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and Allston Burr Assistant Dean of Harvard College for Mather House. Affiliated with Harvard College, his work bridges Arabic literary studies, translation theory, and language pedagogy.

• PhD in Comparative Literature (Harvard, 2012)
• BA in Philosophy and Theology (Oxford, 2003)
• BA in English (Columbia, 2001)

Leafgren’s research focuses on the Arabic novel, Arabic language pedagogy, and the theory and practice of literary translation. His scholarship critically examines the intersection of Christian Arab identity, European literary models, and the adaptation of historical fiction frameworks to reinterpret Islamic conquest narratives.

As translator, Leafgren has brought nine Arabic novels into English, including works by Muhsin Al-Ramli and Shahad Al Rawi. His translations explore themes of war trauma, cultural resilience, and temporal experimentation in contemporary Middle Eastern fiction, often highlighting underrepresented female and diasporic perspectives.

• Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation (twice awarded)
• EBRD Literature Prize finalist
• National Book Award longlist

Leafgren serves as Allston Burr Assistant Dean at Mather House, advising students on academic and personal matters while maintaining active teaching roles in translation and Arabic language instruction. His work bridges literary scholarship with cross-cultural educational leadership.