What Is Cultural Translation?

Description

What Is Cultural Translation? In this book, Sarah Maitland uncovers processes of negotiation and adaptation closely associated with the translation of languages behind the cultural phenomena of everyday life. For globalized societies confronted increasingly with the presence of difference in all its forms, translation has become both a metaphor for thoughtful encounter and a touchstone act for what we see, do and say, and who we are. Drawing on examples from across cultural domains (theatre, film, TV and literature) this work illuminates the elusive concept of ‘cultural translation’. Focusing on the built environment, current affairs, international relations and online media, this book arrives at a view of translation in its broadest sense. It is a means for decoding how we shape the cultural realm and serves as a vehicle for new ways of seeing and being that question the received ideas that structure the communities in which we live. Written in a clear and engaging style, this is the first book-length study of cultural translation. It builds a powerful case for expanding the remit of translation to cover the experience of living and working in a globalized, multicultural world, and is of interest to all involved in the academic study of representation and contestation in contemporary cultural practice. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Contents Preface Introduction The urgency of cultural translation Cultural translation: The story so far What’s ‘wrong’ with cultural translation? Towards a definition of cultural translation 1 Interpretation: Translation and the quest for understanding The symbol gives rise to thought Memes as cultural translations Translation, language and being Understanding (as) the human condition My definition of cultural translation 2 Distanciation: Translation and the space-time continuum Semantic autonomy Freedom from authorial intention Freedom from historical context Action autonomy From distanciation to appropriation 3 Incorporation: Objects in translation appear closer than... What is appropriation? Mapping the ‘other’ Appropriation as containment Translation as the exercise of sovereign authority 4 Transformation: Translation as revolution Translation as transformation Translation as renovation Translation as revolution 5 Emancipation: Translation as a critique of ideology A hermeneutics of trust and suspicion ‘Read’ thyself Holding a mirror up to nature Saving us from ourselves Self-.knowledge through interpretation Translating ideology back to itself Conclusion: Cultural translation: Saving us from ourselves? Bibliography Index