Two Canadian Classics, Bonheur d’occasion and Two Solitudes

Taking the Measure of the Intercultural Passage

September 25-26, 2007 The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies and the Canadian Centre for German and European Studies, York University (Toronto, Canada) in partnership with the Centre d'études canadiennes, Université de Rouen and Identités culturelles, textes et théâtralité (ICTT), Université d'Avignon -- International Conference "Two Canadian Classics, Bonheur d'occasion and Two Solitudes: Taking the Measure of the Intercultural Passage" to be held on September 25, 26, 2007 at the Canadian Cultural Centre, Paris, France. The purpose of this conference is to explore how two novels, Bonheur d'occasion and Two Solitudes, which have left a profound mark on anglophone and francophone literature in Canada, have been translated and received in other cultures. Published in 1945 and grounded in the major themes of the period -- war, poverty, and the uncertain communications between nations -- both books rapidly gained critical and commercial success. Their authors were honoured by prestigious literary awards. Hugh MacLennan and Gabrielle Roy received the Governor General's Award in Canada, and Gabrielle Roy was also awarded the Prix Femina in France. Hundreds of thousands of copies of both books were sold in Canada, North America and France. Offering fresh perspectives to readers in a turbulent world, both books rapidly found their way through translation into other languages (Czech, Danish, Dutch, German, Japanese, Norwegian, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Russian...). We invite papers (20 minutes plus 10 minutes for discussion) in English or French that examine how these two classic Canadian novels have circulated in other languages and cultures through translation. How have they been translated (or adapted) and received in the host culture? What literary conventions have affected how the translated texts have been read and understood? What publishing, esthetic or socio-political issues have been raised by their intercultural passage? What particular resonances have they evoked in their new readers? Has their translation opened the way for other Canadian works to be translated or for further literary and cultural exchange? The conference, to be held during the "Semaine des cultures étrangères," will provide an opportunity to highlight the numerous connections that have developed, through translation, between anglophone and francophone literatures in Canada and other literary traditions throughout the world. It will also be a timely way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Prix Femina awarded to a Canadian novel. Please send an abstract (200-250 words) of your paper before January 31, 2007 to Agnes Whitfield (agnes.whitfield@videotron.ca), School of Translation, York University. Scientific Committee: Cécile Fouache, Études anglaises, Université de Rouen, Madelena Gonzalez, Identités culturelles, textes et théâtralité, Université d'Avignon, Margot Irvine, Études françaises, University of Guelph.