Conference

The conference proceedings have been published

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We are happy to announce that the conference proceedings were published on May 8th, 2017. The proceedings can be freely dowloaded and the Universitat Jaume I offers a print-on-demand service for anyone wishing to obtain printed copies.

 

Minoritized languages under a postmonolingual order

For centuries, languages have been the backbones of political spaces and creative subjectivities. Languages identify cultures, grant nationalities and define the limits of authority. However, the 21st century is defined by a normal coexistence of several languages in shared spaces. Reality urges us to challenge a monolingual spirit that hinders our social, political, cultural and personal evolution. This volume collects contributions that encourage us to enjoy our postmonolingual condition while critically examining the restraints imposed by monolingualism.

Conference

Abstract for “Translating Minorized Linguistic Geographical Varieties: Responsibility and Ethics from the Framework of Deconstruction”

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Núria Molines, Autonomous University of Barcelona

This paper will tackle the issue of dialect translation in literary works focusing on the translation of German dialects and regional languages. Taking into account the particular features and the very special status of regional languages and dialects in their linguistic context, we shall see which problems raise the translation of a work where different dialects and languages coexist. The paper will analyse different translations of two German books – Eine Jugend in Deutschland and Schloß Gripsholm. Our approach will ponder on ideological and ethical issues from the framework of deconstruction to challenge dominant views on equivalence that have gathered most of the attention in discussing dialect translation. The paradigm shift introduced by deconstruction involves the empowerment of translators by questioning equivalence and translators’ status, thereby forcing translators to take a responsible role. The analysis will reveal how the variety of languages/dialects in the original is made invisible by applying a monolingual filter. Deconstruction in Translation Studies offers a critical perspective on the ethical decision that must be made when translating a postmonolingual text.

Conference

Abstract for “Audio description. Deminorizing as a right”

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Raquel Sanz, University of Valencia

This paper reflects on how audio description acts as a safeguard for the access to culture of visually impaired persons. After reviewing the international, European and national legislation on accessibility, the paper focuses on the current situation of audio description in Spain, paying attention to users and, especially, professional descriptors and their work. Descriptors play an essential and complex role: not only are they privileged intermediaries between the audiovisual product and the visually impaired, but also, given their position, they have in-depth understanding of disability and blindness, as well as needs and expectations of the visually impaired. It is thanks to them that visually impaired people access cultural products and have the possibility to share cultural products in the same conditions and at the same time than the visually non-impaired. Their function is therefore to facilitate the participatory and active integration of this minority. Descriptors are, ultimately, the cornerstone in the collective deminorizing of people with disabilities and contribute to their effective and active engagement in their social and cultural communities.

Keywords: accessibility; audio description; human rights; minorities; disabilities