Cultural Approaches to Translation Studies

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Questions and Answers

What do Susan Bassnett and Andre Lefevere consider essential in the study of translation?

Historical background of the original text

Literal accuracy of translated texts

Linguistic theories of translation

Cultural context and its impact on translation (correct)

What does the term 'cultural turn' in translation studies refer to?

A focus on the author's intent in translation

A change in the tools used for translation

A move towards understanding translation as a cultural and political act (correct)

A shift from practical translation skills to linguistic approaches

According to Lefevere, who holds power over the literary system?

The authors only

Readers and audience members

Only publishers and editors

Critics, teachers, and translators (correct)

What motivated Edward Fitzgerald to rewrite Omar Khayyam's poetry?

An attempt to conform to Western literary conventions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Lefevere's identified factors that control the literary system?

Literary awards and recognitions Signup and view all the answers

What does Lefevere argue about the nature of translation?

It serves as a form of rewriting with significant impact Signup and view all the answers

Which component of patronage constrains the choice of subjects in literature?

Ideological component Signup and view all the answers

What is one way in which translation is said to change when considering cultural aspects?

It integrates sociopolitical ideologies into the text Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the status component in literary patronage?

To ensure the beneficiary aligns with the patron's expectations Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily influences the dominant poetics of a literary period?

Ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of institutional enforcement of dominant poetics?

Certain works are canonized while others are marginalized Signup and view all the answers

How did the spread of Islam influence literary poetics?

It caused the adoption of Arabic poetics in other languages Signup and view all the answers

What is Simon's perspective on the language used in translation studies?

It reflects a language of sexism and dominance Signup and view all the answers

What neologism does Simon propose to emphasize female authorship?

Auther Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Spivak raise regarding the translation of Third World literature?

It distorts the original identity and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which critique does Spivak have about Western feminists' expectations from non-European writers?

They expect works to be translated into the dominant language, English Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Susan Bassnett and Andre Lefevere reject linguistic theories of translation, focusing instead on the interaction between translation and culture.
Cultural studies examine the impact of culture on translation and contextual issues.
The "cultural turn" emphasizes translation as a cultural and political act, examining issues like power dynamics in publishing, feminist translation, appropriation, colonialism, and rewriting.

Translation as Rewriting

Lefevere argues that those in power positions rewrite literature for consumption.
Rewriting can be motivated by ideology (conforming to or challenging dominant ideas) or poetics (conforming to or challenging dominant styles).
Edward Fitzgerald's translation of Omar Khayyam exemplifies rewriting, as it aimed to improve the Persian text and conform to Western literary conventions.
Translation is the clearest example of rewriting, influencing the image of an author and their work beyond their initial cultural context.

Literary System

The literary system is influenced by three factors:
- Professionals within the system (critics, teachers, translators) who shape the reception and interpretation of the work.
- External patronage (individuals or institutions) impacting literary production.
- Dominant poetics (literary conventions) that determine acceptable literary forms and genres, and literature's place in society.

Translation and Gender

Simon views translation with a gender studies perspective, highlighting sexism in translation studies.
Examples of gendered translation practices include seventeenth-century translations into French that focused on aesthetic qualities and ignored fidelity.
Feminists draw parallels between the marginalization of translation and the marginalization of women in society.
One feminist translator views her work as political, aiming to highlight women's voices.
Examples include linguistic markers of gender, using "auther" instead of "author" to emphasize feminine identity.

Postcolonial Translation Theory

Spivak critiques the ideological consequences of translating Third World literature into English.
Critiques the way Western feminists expect feminist literature from different cultures to conform to Western standards.
Translation and colonization are linked, with translation often used to develop a specific, possibly biased, image of the East, rather than a neutral translation.
Colonial powers use translation to re-present colonized peoples.

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Description

Explore the interactions between translation and culture through the lens of Susan Bassnett and Andre Lefevere. This quiz examines concepts like cultural dynamics, power in translation practices, and the implications of rewriting texts in different cultural contexts. Test your understanding of how ideology and poetics influence the translation process.