Literary translation as a social and cultural commitment: the role of translators of Czech literature in Mexico
Abstract
The article interprets the role of the translator in the genesis of translations of Czech literature originally published in Mexico. To date, thirteen titles of Czech literature have been originally published in Mexico, most of them thanks to the initiative of the translator.
Applying the principles of translation archeology and based on interviews with contemporary translators, we explain the motive and purpose of these translations. From the different perspectives of sociological translation research, we focus on the role of the translator as a mediator between two cultures, who (in) consciously assumes responsibility for the socio-cultural mediation between the starting culture and the target culture.
With the help of literary translators, we intend to understand translation work in its broad context and enhance its social and cultural value for both countries.