Translation: A Force of Preservation and Change
The book situates translation within broader theoretical frameworks, including cultural studies, ethics, and social theory. It argues that translation is more than just a linguistic activity — it is a powerful tool that can either reinforce or challenge societal norms. The authors uncover how translation exposes the subtle forces driving conformity, while also offering a means to question and alter these pressures.
Central to this analysis is the concept of resilience, explored as both a strength and a burden across various contexts, deepening our understanding of its role in the power dynamics of identity and culture.
In-Depth Case Studies
Notably, the book features detailed case studies that explore specific cultural and literary contexts. Edyta Lorek-Jezińska's chapter, Imagining Otherwise: Questioning Resilience and Normativity in Selected Disability Drama, challenges traditional views of resilience within disability studies. Giorgia Scribellito’s analysis of Caribbean American women's writing further illuminates the interaction between imposed identities and narrative forms in relation to normativity and resilience.
The volume also emphasizes the active role of translation in shaping cultural and literary norms. Essays on topics such as Soviet female translators and feminist translation practices demonstrate how translation reflects and molds social norms, providing new insights into the broader impact of translation on culture.
A Key Contribution to Contemporary Scholarship
Published by Peter Lang, Normativity and Resilience in Translation makes a significant contribution to cultural studies, translation studies, and social theory. Bringing together diverse perspectives and rigorous research, it encourages readers to critically examine the connections between language, culture, and power in our globalized world.