Rationale:
Since the Welsh Language Act of 1993, Wales has been an officially bilingual country, a status which is to a large extent dependent on and linked to translation. Yet, in contrast to these political developments, there is a lack of substantial research into the history, role and functions of translation in Wales, as well as into how translation-related issues are critical for an understanding of contemporary Wales. Whereas there is considerable research on Welsh language policies and some on translation policies and Welsh-specific translation tools, research on translation from a cultural, historical or theoretical perspective remains scant. This two-day conference, which is part of an AHRC-funded Research Network at Bangor University, will bring together researchers, translators, writers and activists who work in and on translation in Wales and other non-state contexts, to discuss current knowledge and future research agendas for the study of translation away from the ‘minority cultures’ framework developed in the nineties.
Potential topics for abstract and panel proposals:
Proposals are invited for individual or joint presentations or thematic panels on translation in Wales and other non-state cultures, with no chronological or geographical limitation. We will particularly welcome theoretical reflections and presentations on lesser studied areas and critical questions. We are also open to a range of formats, including poster presentations, round tables, and project overviews, as well as research projects from independent researchers and PhD students.For presentations focusing on the Welsh context, work in the following areas will be welcome:
- The role and function of translation in Wales across history.
- Welsh contributions to translation theory (with particular focus on texts written in Welsh which have rarely been discussed)
- Translation-related practices as reactions to legislated bilingualism in Wales.
- Attitudes towards translation in Wales.
- The role of translated texts in the formation of Welsh culture.
- Translation and postcolonial studies in the Welsh context.
- Translation and gender studies in the Welsh context
Please send a 250-word abstract by 31 May 2012 to Dr Helena Miguélez-Carballeira (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
