Influenced by the work of Lawrence Venuti, Bassnett’s historical approach highlighted that translators have historically been invisible. She used historical case studies—from the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages to the colonization of the Americas—to show that translators are often the most powerful figures in a society, despite being ignored.
Translation can be used as a tool of political and social control. For example, during the colonial era, European powers frequently translated indigenous texts in ways that made the native populations appear "primitive" or in need of Western governance. Conversely, translation can also be used as an act of resistance to introduce radical new ideas into a restrictive culture. The Role of the Translator translation history and culture susan bassnett pdf
Translations are rarely neutral. They are bought, sold, and commissioned by individuals or institutions with specific agendas. These patrons include: Governments and political parties Religious institutions Publishing houses and editors Influenced by the work of Lawrence Venuti, Bassnett’s
However, the book has not been without its critics. A contemporary review published in 1991, while acknowledging the importance of the project, was harsh in its assessment of the volume's execution. The reviewer, D’haen, called the collection "a sore disappointment," criticizing it as a "hastily and haphazardly arranged collection that has been carelessly edited and published". For example, during the colonial era, European powers
Susan Bassnett is a seminal figure in the field of Translation Studies, primarily known for steering the discipline away from a purely linguistic focus toward a sociocultural and ideological perspective. Her work, notably in collaboration with André Lefevere, established the "cultural turn," which treats translation as an act of and manipulation rather than simple word substitution. Key Theoretical Concepts
—heavily influenced by the power structures of the time. 🏛️📖
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