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Article published In:
Babel
Vol. 69:3 (2023) ► pp.398–415

Words with borders

Censoring translated books in the Jordanian context

| Yarmouk University
| Yarmouk University

This study aims at investigating the phenomenon of censoring and withholding translated books in Jordan. The source of data is a list of all banned translated books at Yarmouk University Library in Jordan (n = 60). The list was first analyzed and classified thematically. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with the librarians. When available, reference was made to the paratextual material of the withheld translated books. Moreover, the official website of the Jordan Media Commission was consulted to identify the factors that may contribute to censoring and blocking translated works in Jordan. The results show that librarians ban books for various religious, moral, social, political, and ideological reasons. Furthermore, it was revealed that censorship in Jordan is subjectively conducted and does not follow clear-cut rules and regulations. Finally, using paratextual elements in investigating the motives for censoring books proved to be an effective method.

Keywords: censorship, paratext, withholding, translated works, Jordan
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Censorship in the Arab world
  • 3.Research methods
    • 3.1Questions of the study
    • 3.2Data collection
    • 3.3Data analysis
  • 4.Results and discussion
    • 4.1Books banned for religious reasons and motives
    • 4.2Books banned for political reasons and motives
    • 4.3Books banned for socio-cultural reasons and motives
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 15 May 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.00326.say
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