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Chapter 15. (Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics

Translation as an instrument of resistant conviviality
  • M. Rosario Martín Ruano
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Translating Asymmetry – Rewriting Power
This chapter is in the book Translating Asymmetry – Rewriting Power

Abstract

This article proposes a critical approach to any instance of translation which (1) contributes to the (re)thinking of translation beyond the idea of bridge-building; (2) is based on a conceptualisation of culture(s) and identity(ies) in terms of translation and in inevitably political terms; and (3) may be useful for exploring alternative, resistant translation policies and practices inspired by an ideal of social conviviality. It will be argued that this is especially necessary in our superdiverse societies and in the contemporary era, where the potentialities of translation, both as a metaphor and as a practice, for social cohesion can be rethought and exploited. Translation perceived and practised as a dialogic and empowering tool will be posited as a powerful antidote to the perverse effects of the model of globalisation which is accepted as dominant in the current digital paradigm.

Abstract

This article proposes a critical approach to any instance of translation which (1) contributes to the (re)thinking of translation beyond the idea of bridge-building; (2) is based on a conceptualisation of culture(s) and identity(ies) in terms of translation and in inevitably political terms; and (3) may be useful for exploring alternative, resistant translation policies and practices inspired by an ideal of social conviviality. It will be argued that this is especially necessary in our superdiverse societies and in the contemporary era, where the potentialities of translation, both as a metaphor and as a practice, for social cohesion can be rethought and exploited. Translation perceived and practised as a dialogic and empowering tool will be posited as a powerful antidote to the perverse effects of the model of globalisation which is accepted as dominant in the current digital paradigm.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Contributors ix
  4. Introduction 1
  5. Section I. Revisiting the foundations of asymmetry
  6. Chapter 1. Translating strangers 15
  7. Chapter 2. Negotiating asymmetry 35
  8. Chapter 3. Helpers, professional authority, and pathologized bodies 55
  9. Chapter 4. An information asymmetry framework for strategic translation policy in multinational corporations 77
  10. Chapter 5. Tom, Dick and Harry as well as Fido and Puss in boots are translators 101
  11. Section II. Unveiling the structure
  12. Chapter 6. Child language brokering in Swedish welfare institutions 125
  13. Chapter 7. Responsibility, powerlessness, and conflict 145
  14. Chapter 8. Of places, spaces, and faces 169
  15. Chapter 9. Translating values 197
  16. Chapter 10. EU institutional websites 227
  17. Section III. Resisting asymmetries
  18. Chapter 11. Translation, multilingualism and power differential in contemporary African literature 255
  19. Chapter 12. Small yet powerful 269
  20. Chapter 13. Against the asymmetry of the post-Francoist canon 291
  21. Chapter 14. Citizens as agents of translation versions 313
  22. Chapter 15. (Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics 335
  23. Chapter 16. Agency and social responsibility in the translation of the migration crisis 361
  24. Index 379
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.157.15mar

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Contributors ix
  4. Introduction 1
  5. Section I. Revisiting the foundations of asymmetry
  6. Chapter 1. Translating strangers 15
  7. Chapter 2. Negotiating asymmetry 35
  8. Chapter 3. Helpers, professional authority, and pathologized bodies 55
  9. Chapter 4. An information asymmetry framework for strategic translation policy in multinational corporations 77
  10. Chapter 5. Tom, Dick and Harry as well as Fido and Puss in boots are translators 101
  11. Section II. Unveiling the structure
  12. Chapter 6. Child language brokering in Swedish welfare institutions 125
  13. Chapter 7. Responsibility, powerlessness, and conflict 145
  14. Chapter 8. Of places, spaces, and faces 169
  15. Chapter 9. Translating values 197
  16. Chapter 10. EU institutional websites 227
  17. Section III. Resisting asymmetries
  18. Chapter 11. Translation, multilingualism and power differential in contemporary African literature 255
  19. Chapter 12. Small yet powerful 269
  20. Chapter 13. Against the asymmetry of the post-Francoist canon 291
  21. Chapter 14. Citizens as agents of translation versions 313
  22. Chapter 15. (Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics 335
  23. Chapter 16. Agency and social responsibility in the translation of the migration crisis 361
  24. Index 379
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