Translation and Empire [Paperback]

Arising from cultural anthropology in the late 1980s and early 1990s, postcolonial translation theory is based on the observation that translation has often served as an important channel of empire. Douglas Robinson begins with a general presentation of postcolonial theory, examines current theories of the power differentials that control what gets translated and how, and traces the historical development of postcolonial thought about translation. He also explores the negative and positive impact of translation in the postcolonial context, reviewing various critiques of postcolonial translation theory and providing a glossary of key words. The result is a clear and useful guide to some of the most complex and critical issues in contemporary translation studies.

1. Postcolonial Studies, Translation Studies

Translation and empire
What does postcolonial mean?
The rise of postcolonial theory
Hegemony, subjectification and interpellation
Language, place and self
Beyond nationalism: migrant and border cultures

2. Power Differentials

Translating across power differentials
Disproportionate translations
'Inscrutable' texts
Stereotypes
Writing for translation
Theorizing across power differentials

3. Translation as Empire: The Theoretical Record

Emperors and displaced populations
The sublimation of empire: Cicero and Horace
Translatio Imperii et Studii
Taking the original captive
Translation and empire

4. Translation and the Impact of Colonialism

Eric Cheyfitz and the colonization of the New World
Repression and hierarch
Projection
Eloquence and dialogue
Property
Centre and periphery
Niranjana and the British interpellation of India
Rafael and the Spanish conversion of the Tagalogs
The hierlÓD