Translation of ideologically marked texts: a work of body and mind

• Grant number: 19/09310-9
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: October 01, 2019 - December 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Linguistics - Applied Linguistics
• Principal researcher: Erica Luciene Alves de Lima
• Grantee: Erica Luciene Alves de Lima
• Home Institution: Instituto de Estudos da Linguagem (IEL). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The project aims to analyze the narratives of translators about their actions and reactions during and after the translation of ideologically marked texts, in order to present some contributions to the field of Translation Studies in general, and specifically to the academic training of translators and translator professors. Through an ethnographic approach on social networks, data (postings, e-mails and interviews) will be collected in two Brazilian groups of professional translators and an organization of volunteer translators (Translation Without Borders). The narratives should include experiences on translations of topics such as Holocaust, gender issues, terminal illnesses, immigration, among others, whose translation choices involved very complex beliefs, values, professional and ethical principles. The selection of data prioritized translation experiences that influenced both the knowledge that translators have of the world and of themselves, and the impacts of these experiences on their professional and personal lives. The starting point for the research is the premise that although translators often claim that translations are done in an "ethical, professional and neutral" way, the translation process is much more complex and involves emotional and even physical aspects. In this sense, the project aims to study the impacts that the translation has on the body and in the mind, a theme that is often overlooked, given the emphasis on issues related to the result of the translational process, i.e., the translated text, and not the issues that led to the translation and its consequences. The reflection on the corporeality, identity, subjectivity, and the effects and tensions resulting from the daily clash with markedly ideological texts can be seen as paramount to understanding the multiple facets of the translator. Therefore, this project proposes to study, in the narratives and postings, questions related to language and emotion (Rajagopalan, 2004; 2008); the translator subjectivity (Frota, 1999; 2000); corporeality (Pinto, 2002; 2009); ethics (Tymoczko, 2006; Venuti, 1995; 2002; 2010), and vicarious trauma (Lor, 2012). Furthermore, it is expected to propose the intertwining of these notions with a range of other philosophical concepts that help in understanding the translator´s role, such as countersignature, hospitality and hostipitality (Derrida, 1990; 1991; 1997; 2002). The proposed reflection intends to trigger important discussions for beginners, professionals, and for the translator education, since it brings aspects still little discussed in the area. (AU)