
Translation Imperatives
African Literature and the Labour of Translators
Ruth Bush(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 2. June 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
118 pages
978-1-108-72004-5 (ISBN)
Description
This Element explores the politics of literary translation via case studies from the Heinemann African Writers Series and the work of twenty-first-century literary translators in Cameroon. It intervenes in debates concerning multilingualism, race and decolonization, as well as methodological discussion in African literary studies, world literature, comparative literature and translation studies. The task of translating African literary texts has developed according to political and socio-economic contexts. It has contributed to the consecration of a canon of African classics and fuelled polemics around African languages. Yet retranslation remains rare and early translations are frequently criticised. This Element's primary focus on the labour rather than craft or art of translation emphasises the material basis that underpins who gets to translate and how that embodied labour occurs within the process of book production and reception. The arguments draw on close readings, fresh archival material, interviews, and co-production and observation of literary translation workshops.
Reviews / Votes
'... an essay that sets milestones, opens up questions and proposes avenues.' Antoine Kauffer, Etudes Litteraires AfricainesMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 178 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight
119 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-72004-5 (9781108720045)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
06/2022
Cambridge University Press
€10.49
Available for download
E-Book
05/2022
Cambridge University Press
€10.49
Available for download
Person
Content
Preface; 1. Translation is not a metaphor; 2. 'Mere translation!' Rereading multilingual labour in the Heinemann African Writers Series; 3. Translation workshops: multilingualism and epistemic violence in contemporary Cameroon; Conclusion.