The concept of translation has become central to
postcolonial theory in recent decades, offering as it
does a useful metaphor or metonym for many of the
processes explored within the framework of postcolonial
studies. Translation proper, however, remains relatively
underexplored and, in many postcolonial multilingual
contexts, underexploited. Texts are often read in
translation without much attention being paid to the
inevitable differences that open up between an original
and its translation(s), the figure of the translator
remains shadowy, if not invisible, and the particular
languages involved in translation in postcolonial
societies often still reflect colonial power dynamics.
This volume draws together reflections by translators,
authors and academics working across three broad
geographical areas where the linguistic legacies of
French colonial operations are long-lasting and complex,
namely Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. The
perspectives that emerge move beyond traditional views
of translation as loss or betrayal and towards a more
positive outlook, highlighting the potential for
translation to enrich the lives of readers, translators
and authors alike, to counter some of the destructive
effects of globalisation, and to promote linguistic
diversity. In addition, translation is shown to be a
most valuable tool in revealing the dynamics and
pressures that are relevant to the political and
economic contexts in which books are written, read and
sold.
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