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The task of the anthropologist is to take ideas, concepts and beliefs from one culture and translate them into first another language, and then into the language of anthropology. This process is both fascinating and complex. Not only does it raise questions about the limitations of language, but it also challenges the ability of the anthropologist to communicate culture accurately. In recent years, postmodern theories have tended to call into question the legitimacy of translation altogether. This book acknowledges the problems involved, but shows definitively that 'translating cultures' can successfully be achieved.The way we talk, write, read and interpret are all part of a translation process. Many of us are not aware of translation in our everyday lives, but for those living outside their native culture, surrounded by cultural difference, the ability to translate experiences and thoughts becomes a major issue. Drawing on case studies and theories from a wide range of disciplines -including anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, art history, folk theory, and religious studies - this book systematically interrogates the meaning, complexities and importance of translation in anthropology and answers a wide range of provocative questions, such as:- Can we unravel the true meaning of the Christian doctrine of trinity when there have been so many translations?- What impact do colonial and postcolonial power structures have on our understanding of other cultures?- How can we use art as a means of transgressing the limitations of linguistic translation?Translating Cultures: Perspectives on Translation and Anthropology is the first book fully to address translation in anthropology. It combines textual and ethnographic analysis to produce a benchmark publication that will be of great importance to anthropologists, philosophers, linguists, historians, and cultural theorists alike.
E-Book Content
Translating Cultures
Translating Cultures Perspectives on Translation and Anthropology
Edited by Paula G. Rubel and Abraham Rosman
Oxford • New York
First published in 2003 by Berg Editorial offices: 1st Floor, Angel Court, 81 St Clements Street, Oxford, OX4 1AW, UK 838 Broadway, Third Floor, New York, NY 10003-4812, USA © Paula G. Rubel and Abraham Rosman 2003 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Berg.
Berg is an imprint of Oxford International Publishers Ltd.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Translating cultures : perspectives on translation and anthropology / edited by Paula G. Rubel and Abraham Rosman. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 1-85973-740-4 – ISBN 1-85973-745-5 (pbk.) 1. Communication in ethnology. 2. Ethnology–Authorship. 3. Translating and interpreting. 4. Intercultural communication. I. Rubel, Paula G. II. Rosman, Abraham. GN307.5.T73 2003 306—dc21 2003000652
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 1 85973 740 4 (Cloth) ISBN 1 85973 745 5 (Paper)
Typeset by JS Typesetting Ltd, Wellingborough, Northants. Printed in the United Kingdom by Biddles Ltd, Guildford and King’s Lynn.
Contents Acknowledgments
vii
Notes on Contributors
ix
Introduction: Translation and Anthropology Paula G. Rubel and Abraham Rosman
1
Part I: General Problems of Translation 1
2
3
Lyotard and Wittgenstein and the Question of Translation Aram A. Yengoyan
25
Translation and Belief Ascription: Fundamental Barriers Todd Jones
45
Translation, Transduction, Transformation: Skating “Glossando” on Thin Semiotic Ice Michael Silverstein
75