CFP: Did anyone say Power? Rethinking Domination and Hegemony in Translation

Translation Studies has come of age, evidenced by proclamations of a series of intellectual ‘turns’, most prominently a ‘cultural turn’ in the 1990s followed by a ‘sociological turn’ in the last decade. Whilst also a ‘power turn’ and an ‘ideological’ turn have been suggested, there is a lack of self-awareness and self-reflection on our own entanglement within contemporary power structures, which are largely driven by financial, economic and technological globalisation. This interdisciplinary conference aims to critically interrogate central concepts such as ‘ideology’ and ‘power’ from self-reflexive, theoretical and practical perspectives. In view of Jean Baudrillard’s suggestion that any theory of power, in order to be ethically credible, must distinguish between relations of dominance and hegemony, we hope to bring together researchers, PhD-students, translators, writers and activists from varying backgrounds to engage in a discussion about the impact of power on the theory and practice of translation as well as on our own critical reflections.

Potential topics for abstract proposals

Apart from paper proposals, we are open to suggestions for a range of discussion formats such as poster presentations or audio-recorded roundtables. We are particularly interested in reflections on the ideological effects of technological change on translation theory and practice, whether in the present or future. Paper proposals focusing on any topic within the following two broad theoretical and practical themes will be welcome.

Theories of Power and Ideology:

• Ideology, Power and the different ‘Turns’ in Translation Studies
• Power and Ideology from different disciplinary Perspectives
• Ideology and Power in relation to History, Theory, Practice and Technology

Discourse in Translation:

• Critical Theory and Philosophy
• Capitalist Hegemony
• Political Ideologies
• Subversive and Underground Ideologies

Please send a 250-word abstract and a mini-biography (max. 100 words) by Friday 22 March 2013 to Dr Stefan Baumgarten ([email protected]). Notification of acceptance of proposals will be communicated by Friday 12 April 2013.

For general enquiries about the conference and potential discussion formats please contact Dr Yan Ying ([email protected]) or Dr Jordi Cornellà-Detrell ([email protected]).