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Part of
Translating Asymmetry – Rewriting Power
Edited by Ovidi Carbonell i Cortés and Esther Monzó-Nebot
[Benjamins Translation Library 157] 2021
► pp. 335–360

Chapter 15
(Re)locating translation within asymmetrical power dynamics

Translation as an instrument of resistant conviviality

ORCID logo | GIR TRADIC, University of Salamanca

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.

Keywords: translation, asymmetry, power, politics, translation policy, conviviality, digital age, globalisation, dialogue
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.(Re)thinking translation beyond bridge-building
  • 3.Understanding (non) translation as politics and in the light of translation policy
  • 4.Exploring alternative, resistant translation policies inspired by the ideal of social conviviality
  • 5.(Not) to conclude, but merely to continue translating: Translation as a never-ending dialogue
  • References
Published online: 16 August 2021
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.157.15mar
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