In the last four decades, scholars have begun to go beyond the traditional perspective of linguistic and literary studies, and to consider the translations as cultural practices and the result of various processes of cultural and intellectual “negotiation” between two different contexts. In recent years also historians have progressively started to take a close interest in translations as sources to investigate the ways in which knowledge and ideas were constructed, disseminated, re-elaborated and assimilated in new cultural, social and political contexts. The aims of this international conference is to encourage an interdisciplinary dialogue on these problems, bringing together scholars, graduate students and early career researchers from Translation Studies, History, History of Book, History of Science, Literary Studies and related disciplines who are interested in discussing methodologies, objectives and perspectives in the study of translations.

European University Institute, Villa Salviati 11-12 October 2018

Argument

In the last four decades, scholars have begun to go beyond the traditional perspective of linguistic and literary studies, and to consider the translations as cultural practices and the result of various processes of cultural and intellectual “negotiation” between two different contexts. In recent years also historians have progressively started to take a close interest in translations as sources to investigate the ways in which knowledge and ideas were constructed, disseminated, re-elaborated and assimilated in new cultural, social and political contexts. Among others, Peter Burke, Lázsló Kontler and Christopher Rundle have offered a problematized reflection on the role that the study of translations plays in historical research, underlining how translation could be «the lens through which we research our historical object» (Rundle 2011).

The aims of this international conference is to encourage an interdisciplinary dialogue on these problems, bringing together scholars, graduate students and early career researchers from Translation Studies, History, History of Book, History of Science, Literary Studies and related disciplines who are interested in discussing methodologies, objectives and perspectives in the study of translations.

The conference will be divided into two parts. On Thursday 11st October, the attention will be focused on methodological issues. On Friday 12nd October, trying to explore and further promote intersections between Translation Studies, Intellectual History of Enlightenment and History of Science, we will address a specific research question, the contribution that translations offered in the circulation of scientific works in Europe during the long eighteenth century.

Participants are especially encouraged to present papers dealing with any aspects related to the study of translations. Suggested topics might include, but are in no restricted to the following:

• Translations and Cultural Transfer
• Translations and History of Book
• Translations and History of Science
• Translations and Intellectual History of Enlightenment
• Eighteenth century theories and practices of translation
• The materiality of translation
• Actors involved in translation processes

Deadline and Other Information

Please submit proposals for papers (c. 300 words, in English or French) with a short CV to alessia.castagnino@eui.eu

by 31 May 2018.

You will receive an answer by 30 June 2018. Proposed papers should not exceed 20 minute in lenght.

Participation is free of charge and includes lunches, dinner and coffee breaks. We may be able to contribute financially to accomodation of a certain number of participants. Please indicate in your proposal if you would benefit from this support.

For more information, please contact: Alessia Castagnino (alessia.castagnino@eui.eu)

Organising Commitee

• Prof. Ann Thomson (European University Institute, Florence)
• Dr. Alessia Castagnino (European University Institute, Florence)