Translation is a highly contested site in the Americas where different groups, often with competing literary or political interests, vie for space and approval. In its survey of these multiple and competing groups and its study of the geographic, socio-political and cultural aspects of translation, Edwin Gentzler's book demonstrates that the Americas are a fruitful terrain for the field of translation studies.

Building on research from a variety of disciplines including cultural studies, linguistics, feminism and ethnic studies and including case studies from Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean, this book shows that translation is one of the primary means by which a culture is constructed: translation in the Americas is less something that happens between separate and distinct cultures and more something that is capable of establishing those very cultures.

Using a variety of texts and addressing minority and oppressed groups within cultures, Translation and Identity in the Americas highlights by example the cultural role translation policies play in a discriminatory process: the consequences of which can be social marginalization, loss of identity and psychological trauma.

Translation and Identity the Americas will be critical reading for students and scholars of Translation Studies, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.

Reviews

'Edwin Gentzler's latest book travels a lively itinerary from north to south, investigating the complexity of language interactions from Quebec to Brazil. This is a vivid and strikingly original perspective on the melange of cultures which make up the Americas. ' Sherry Simon, University of Concordia, Canada

'In this ground-breaking new book, Edwin Gentzler, one of the leading US translation experts, tackles the important question of the role played by translation in the shaping of the Americas.' Susan Bassnett, University of Warwick, UK

"Translation and Identity in the Americas is an intriguing and well-researched work. It takes translation studies out of a narrow equivalence model, extending its range of reference to fiction, representation and bi- and multilingusalism while showing us possible new directions in translation theory."-- Target, Vol. 22:2 (2010)

Book Information
ISBN 9780415774529
Author Edwin Gentzler
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 362g