Translation Studies and Geopolitics

Call for Papers:

Translation and geopolitics have been inextricably linked since the era of the dragoman, but upheavals at the beginning of this century (the war against terrorism, the war in Iraq, the Arab Spring, the wars in Libya, Syria and the Ukraine, as well as other conflicts with international stakes, including the rise of extremism in Europe) have considerably affected and changed the work conditions of language professionals in general, and that of translators in particular. Languages have always been used to speak about ones enemies, but also with one’s enemies. We can see increasing politization of the actors, and the use of translation products and multilingual communication for political or ideological ends both in the field and in the virtual sphere.

The events stemming from the unexpected collision between translation studies and (geo)politics are varied and complex, but they touch fundamental questions such as those of neutrality and independence, interculturalism and intercomprehension, tolerance and peace. Caught between the ethical and political challenges of translating, language professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to manage situations that are often impracticable.

Within the scope of conflicts that generate media-based coverage worldwide, several problems deserve particular attention from those who specialize in translation and multilingual communication.
The areas to be explored. First of all, the role and the place of translators and language professional mediators in this myriad of political crises. One must consider their functions, missions, actions, and the impact on their work of their own ideological and political positions. Secondly, the type and nature of linguistic productions disseminated during times of crisis or conflict, or during electoral campaigns, in particular when international issues are at stake. Included in this area are the manipulation of translations, ideas or cultural objects, linguistic and rhetorical usage, biased communication processes, implied cognitive biases, decontextualization and rephrasing ideas of the past, ideological transfers, etc. Last of all, ethical, societal and cultural issues associated with the encounter between translation studies and geopolitics, both in theory and in practice. They include respecting differences, defending diversity, promoting tolerance, and contributing to cultural dialog and peace in the world.

In an attempt to answer these key questions of our century, we have initiated a series of scientific meetings to provide a renewed and timely reflection on the challenges inherent in translation studies in relation to geopolitics and the international arena in general.

These multidisciplinary meetings will deal with currents facts, whose antecedents are associated with a sometimes distant past, and bring together translation professionals (specialized in theoretical and practical work), linguists, historians, semanticists, semioticians or political analysts. In short, the meetings will provide a venue for all those interested in translation challenges in the geopolitical framework, both in diachrony and in synchrony.

Proposals submitted by young researchers are encouraged. Proposals received by the Colloquium’s Scientific Committee will be the subject of a blind review.

Deadline for one-page proposals in French or English: January 15, 2015

Bryan Jim: Contact Email: bryan.jim@mcgill.ca

Please attach a brief biosketch. Papers may be delivered in Spanish.