Chapter 3. Helpers, professional authority, and pathologized bodies
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Naomi Sheneman
Abstract
In this paper, we examine how ableism, undergirded by interlocking systems of oppression mediated by our social locations, exists in this profession with interpreters and translators acting as professional authorities-cum-helpers for pathologized bodyminds. The intersections of the nature of interpretation, professional authority, and inherent powers of influence granted to nondisabled people result in violence masked by a veneer of benevolence (Kent 2007; Mole 2018; Robinson, Sheneman, and Henner 2020). In this chapter, we highlight how Chapman and Withers’ (2019) concept of toxic benevolence in social work can be applied to interpretation. We explore and suggest cripping as a means of mediating power relations in interpretation work through a critical disability framework.
Abstract
In this paper, we examine how ableism, undergirded by interlocking systems of oppression mediated by our social locations, exists in this profession with interpreters and translators acting as professional authorities-cum-helpers for pathologized bodyminds. The intersections of the nature of interpretation, professional authority, and inherent powers of influence granted to nondisabled people result in violence masked by a veneer of benevolence (Kent 2007; Mole 2018; Robinson, Sheneman, and Henner 2020). In this chapter, we highlight how Chapman and Withers’ (2019) concept of toxic benevolence in social work can be applied to interpretation. We explore and suggest cripping as a means of mediating power relations in interpretation work through a critical disability framework.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Contributors ix
- Introduction 1
-
Section I. Revisiting the foundations of asymmetry
- Chapter 1. Translating strangers 15
- Chapter 2. Negotiating asymmetry 35
- Chapter 3. Helpers, professional authority, and pathologized bodies 55
- Chapter 4. An information asymmetry framework for strategic translation policy in multinational corporations 77
- Chapter 5. Tom, Dick and Harry as well as Fido and Puss in boots are translators 101
-
Section II. Unveiling the structure
- Chapter 6. Child language brokering in Swedish welfare institutions 125
- Chapter 7. Responsibility, powerlessness, and conflict 145
- Chapter 8. Of places, spaces, and faces 169
- Chapter 9. Translating values 197
- Chapter 10. EU institutional websites 227
-
Section III. Resisting asymmetries
- Chapter 11. Translation, multilingualism and power differential in contemporary African literature 255
- Chapter 12. Small yet powerful 269
- Chapter 13. Against the asymmetry of the post-Francoist canon 291
- Chapter 14. Citizens as agents of translation versions 313
- Chapter 15. (Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics 335
- Chapter 16. Agency and social responsibility in the translation of the migration crisis 361
- Index 379
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Contributors ix
- Introduction 1
-
Section I. Revisiting the foundations of asymmetry
- Chapter 1. Translating strangers 15
- Chapter 2. Negotiating asymmetry 35
- Chapter 3. Helpers, professional authority, and pathologized bodies 55
- Chapter 4. An information asymmetry framework for strategic translation policy in multinational corporations 77
- Chapter 5. Tom, Dick and Harry as well as Fido and Puss in boots are translators 101
-
Section II. Unveiling the structure
- Chapter 6. Child language brokering in Swedish welfare institutions 125
- Chapter 7. Responsibility, powerlessness, and conflict 145
- Chapter 8. Of places, spaces, and faces 169
- Chapter 9. Translating values 197
- Chapter 10. EU institutional websites 227
-
Section III. Resisting asymmetries
- Chapter 11. Translation, multilingualism and power differential in contemporary African literature 255
- Chapter 12. Small yet powerful 269
- Chapter 13. Against the asymmetry of the post-Francoist canon 291
- Chapter 14. Citizens as agents of translation versions 313
- Chapter 15. (Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics 335
- Chapter 16. Agency and social responsibility in the translation of the migration crisis 361
- Index 379
