In the last few decades, the world has experienced unprecedented globalization, which, for translators, offers a host of opportunities. It is one of the key elements of our profession to make foreign material accessible to a culture that could otherwise not enjoy it. And the demand has been soaring! Modern technology has revolutionized people’s self-conception by making them more aware of their international neighbors. Accordingly, businesses want to sell their products beyond national borders, medical studies are conducted on global scales, best-selling novels like the Harry Potter Series are translated into dozens of languages and turned into movies within just a few years of their publication. Translation is a driving force in this new cultural landscape.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Translations, Culture and Power Relations
- Culture and Translation Studies
- The Cultural Turn
- Translation as Rewriting and Power Relations
- Culture and Ideology
- Translation as a Manipulation of Values
- The Diary of Anne Frank
- Translation and Cultural Context
- Domesticating and Foreignizing
- Cultural Influences on Translation Decisions
- Cultural Awareness and Responsibility in Translation
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text explores the intricate relationship between translation and culture, highlighting the profound influence culture exerts on the translation process. It delves into the concept of "the cultural turn" in translation studies, tracing the evolution of scholarly thought on this topic. The text underscores the importance of cultural awareness and responsibility for translators, emphasizing the potential for translation to shape cultural perceptions and influence power dynamics.
- The cultural turn in translation studies
- The impact of culture on translation decisions
- Power relations in translation and the influence of ideology
- The role of translators in shaping cultural perceptions and narratives
- The ethical considerations surrounding translation and cultural sensitivity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Translations, Culture and Power Relations: This chapter introduces the concept of globalization and its impact on translation. It argues that translation plays a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange and enrichment, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in this process.
- Culture and Translation Studies: This chapter examines the complex nature of culture, exploring different definitions and perspectives. It emphasizes the inseparability of language and culture, arguing that translation is not merely a linguistic exercise but a cultural phenomenon.
- The Cultural Turn: This chapter traces the historical development of the cultural turn in translation studies, highlighting the contributions of key scholars like Snell-Hornby, Bassnett, and Lefevere. It emphasizes the shift in focus from purely linguistic considerations to a more nuanced understanding of the cultural dimensions of translation.
- Translation as Rewriting and Power Relations: This chapter delves into the concept of translation as rewriting, emphasizing the power relations inherent in this process. It explores the role of professionals, patronage, and dominant poetics in shaping literary canons and influencing cultural perceptions.
- Culture and Ideology: This chapter examines the ways in which culture and ideology intersect in translation. It argues that translation can be used to manipulate or subvert existing values, highlighting the potential for translation to influence political agendas.
- Translation as a Manipulation of Values: This chapter provides real-world examples of how cultural and ideological pressures have influenced translation decisions. It discusses cases such as the diary of Anne Frank, highlighting the potential for translators to exert significant influence on the reception of texts.
- The Diary of Anne Frank: This chapter analyzes the specific case of Anne Frank's diary, focusing on the role of cultural and emotional factors in shaping translation choices. It explores the ethical considerations surrounding translation and the importance of maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
- Translation and Cultural Context: This chapter examines the impact of cultural context on translation decisions. It explores the role of education, training, and individual biases in shaping a translator's approach. It also discusses the contrasting approaches of domesticating and foreignizing, considering their implications for cultural transmission.
- Domesticating and Foreignizing: This chapter further explores the concepts of domesticating and foreignizing, analyzing their impact on cultural perceptions and the role of translation in promoting or preserving source cultures. It examines the ethical and practical considerations associated with these approaches.
- Cultural Influences on Translation Decisions: This chapter provides concrete examples of how cultural differences influence translation decisions. It examines issues such as the use of names, complimentary closes, and job titles, highlighting the cultural sensitivity required in translation.
- Cultural Awareness and Responsibility in Translation: This chapter concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and responsibility for translators. It highlights the need for translators to be cognizant of the power they wield and to approach their work with a critical and ethical perspective. It underscores the need for translators to understand the reciprocal relationship between culture and translation, recognizing the potential for translation to shape and be shaped by cultural forces.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this text lies on the intersection of translation and culture. It explores key concepts such as the cultural turn, power relations in translation, domesticating and foreignizing approaches, translation as rewriting, and the ethical considerations surrounding cultural sensitivity in translation. The text also examines specific examples such as the translation of Anne Frank's diary, illustrating the complexities of cultural mediation in the translation process.
- Quote paper
- Rene Fassbender (Author), 2010, Translations, Culture and Power Relations. Aspects of Modern Globalization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/437378
