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Translation and the Construction of Identity

Special Panel: Translation and the Construction of Gendered Identity

Chaired by: Luise von Flotow

Sexual difference and gender (socio-cultural differences ascribed to sexual difference) have always played a vital role in identity construction. For the past thirty years in many parts of the world, questions about sexual difference and gender have entered academia and stimulated research and reform. Gendered identity is now a topic in all the humanities and social sciences, many of the natural sciences and medicine, and most importantly, in every day national and international politics - for example, in regard to the ongoing criminal treatment of gay/lesbian sexuality, women's rights, custody of and responsibility for children, public health, new reproductive technologies, and so on.

Translation plays an important role in transmitting information about these developments, not only through the translation of literary or social science materials, but also in international meetings, legal decisions, and international affairs (cf. the controversy over the 2002 Miss World show in Nigeria, or the USA bombing of Afghanistan in order (in part) to "liberate" Afghan women from wearing the burka), where gender identities can be/have been problematically subsumed under one dominant notion.

Translation also plays a role in producing text that subscribes to or highlights certain gender identities and undermines others - depending on the ideological moment. Since gender identities are valued differently at different times, texts change to address these changes: the "inclusive" versions of certain Bible translations are good examples of this, as is the Vatican's current aggressive response.

This panel seeks submissions on "translation and the construction of gendered identity" that encompass international issues, or move from the particular to larger questions, as in the conference mandate.