The History and Translation Network (HTN) was established in 2021 in response to the increasing significance of and interest in translation and interpreting history, both in translation and interpreting studies and historical studies (cf. “Manifesto”). The network has since connected a global community of scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who share the belief that acts of translation and interpreting are pivotal in the making of history and that considering their historical context is essential in comprehending said activities. One of its main objectives is to foster inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration and facilitate dialogue on the methodological and conceptual aspects of our research endeavors through conferences and other events. This vision was affirmed through the inaugural HTN conference held in Tallinn, Estonia, in May 2022 and the subsequent online follow-up event in May 2023, both of which highlighted the evident demand for such collaborative platforms.

The HTN 2024 Graz sets out to continue the exchange started in these two events. Embracing the thematic focus of “History – Translation – Politics,” this conference foregrounds the understanding of translation and interpreting as historically and politically contextualized activities that can potentially bring about cultural and social transfer and transformation. It probes the influence of politics on these activities while also exploring how translation politics can act as a catalyst for change within specific settings. Building upon the premise that translation is not only an essential element of historical analysis but also a historically situated practice, we welcome submissions that delve into the roles of translators, interpreters, and other pertinent institutions as agents or subjects of transformation. Additionally, we invite contributions that investigate instances of translation and interpreting that both instigate modifications within prevailing economic, political, religious, or social power dynamics and face constraints imposed by them, as well as contributions discussing the methodological added value of translation/interpreting as a lens into history.

Time and Place

The conference will take place on 11-14 September 2024 at the University of Graz, Austria.

Invited speakers:

Carla Mereu Keating (University of Bristol)

E. Natalie Rothman (University of Toronto Scarborough)

Vicente Rafael (University of Washington)

Submissions:

We accept individual papers as well as panel proposals.

Individual paper proposals should be approx. 300 words long.

If you are interested in organising a thematic panel involving 3-4 papers, please submit a preliminary panel proposal with the topic of the panel and a brief description (ca 100 words). If the preliminary proposal is accepted, we will ask a full panel proposal with title, panel description (ca 200 words), panelists and their paper’s proposal (approx. 300 words each).

Individual paper proposals and full panel proposals should be accompanied by short bios (ca 100 words) of the presenters.

Please send all proposals to the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with the keyword “HTN-abstract” or “HTN-panels” on the subject line.

Deadlines:

Preliminary panel proposals: 1 December 2023

Acceptance of preliminary panel proposal: 15 January 2024

Full panel proposal (incl. abstracts for all papers): 1 February 2024

Individual paper proposal: 1 February 2024

Acceptance of individual paper proposals and full panel proposals: 31 March 2024

Registration: 15 May – 15 July 2024

Organizers: