UNDERSTANDING TRANSLATION LITERATURE: The Indispensible Role of Translation in Literary Studies

Translation has often been perceived merely as a mechanical process of linguistic transfer. However, Understanding Translation Literature: The Indispensable Role of Translation in Literary Studies challenges this notion, repositioning translation as a fundamental pillar within the ecosystem of global literary studies. This book defines "Translation Literature" as a distinct field of study that transcends linguistic exchange to encompass artistic, cultural, and philosophical dimensions. The authors guide readers through the complex dynamics of the translation world: from its historical development and the classic debate between fidelity and liberty, to the strategic use of domestication and foreignization in bridging cultural divides. A primary focus of this manuscript is the agency of the translator. Rather than being viewed as a passive conduit, the translator is presented as a critical reader and a "re-writer" who possesses subjectivity and plays a central role in cultural mediation. Through an in-depth theoretical analysis of paratexts and creative interpretation, this book offers fresh insights into how a literary work is "reborn" in a different language. Designed for literature students, academics, translators, and cultural researchers, this book serves as an essential reference for understanding the "invisible art" that enables literature to become truly universal.