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Representing Translation

The Representation of Translation and Translators in Contemporary Media

Dror Abend-David
In an increasingly global and multilingual society, translators have transitioned from unobtrusive stagehands to key intercultural mediators-a development that is reflected in contemporary media. From Coppola’s Lost in Translation to television’s House M.D., and from live performance to social media, translation is rendered as not only utilitarian, but also performative and communicative.
In examining translation as a captivating theme in film, television, commercials, and online content, this multinational collection engages with the problems and limitations faced by translators, as well as the ethical and philosophical aspects of translation and Translation Studies. Contributors examine the role of the translator (as protagonist, agent, negotiator, and double-agent), translation in global communication, the presentation of visual texts, multilingualism in contemporary media, and the role of foreign languages in advertisements. Translation and translators are shown as inseparable parts of a contemporary life that is increasingly multilingual, multiethnic, multinational and socially diverse.

Short review:

This timely book makes a very important contribution to the growing field of translation and media. Unusual in placing the translator firmly in the spotlight, these varied and informative studies show how translators and translating are presented in films, or represented in advertisements, or discussed on social media. A fascinating and instructive resource for researchers and students at all levels.

– Jean Boase-Beier, Professor Emerita of Literature and Translation, University of East Anglia, UK

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