Christina Schäffner, Politics, Media, and Translation, part 2 of 2

TL;DR

The analysis examines the translations of a political speech and explores how politicians and journalists use these translations to shape public opinion.

Transcript

my other example is a political speech and again here what we were discussing yesterday and today as well so if you have translations of speeches or if journalists give quotes of speeches or refer to speeches which were originally delivered in another language so the normal reader of the newspaper does not go and say well I now need to find the ori... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 Translations of political speeches are often used by politicians and journalists to support their own political agendas and shape public opinion.
• 🥺 Different translations can lead to varying interpretations and reactions, highlighting the importance of understanding the context and source of translations.
• ✊ The institutional context in which translations are produced, as well as the ideologies and power dynamics involved, impact how translations are used and cited.
• ❓ Institutional practices and translation policies influence which texts get translated, into which languages, and how they are disseminated.
• ⚾ The selection of translations is not solely based on linguistic accuracy but also on trust, authority, and ideological alignment.
• ✊ Power dynamics influence which translations gain prominence and are cited repeatedly.
• ✊ Understanding the institutional context and power dynamics can provide insights into the motivations and strategies behind translation choices.
• 👨‍🔬 Further research is needed to explore the translation practices of political institutions, the decision-making processes, and the impact of translations on political discourse.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do translations of political speeches impact public opinion?

Translations of political speeches play a significant role in shaping public opinion, as politicians and journalists selectively choose translations to reinforce their own political agendas. Different translations can lead to varying interpretations and reactions.

Q: Why do politicians and journalists rely on specific translation sources?

Politicians and journalists often rely on translations from specific institutions or translation companies that align with their ideological perspectives or strategic interests. The trustworthiness and authority of these sources influence their selection.

Q: What role do institutional practices play in translation choices?

Institutional practices, such as government translation departments or agencies, influence which texts get translated, into which languages, and how they are disseminated. Political institutions have varying translation policies and decision-making processes.

Q: How does the power dynamic impact translation choices?

Power dynamics play a role in translation choices, as certain translations hold more influence than others. Politicians and journalists are more likely to use translations from reputable sources or institutions that have established authority and trust.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The analysis focuses on the translations of a speech by the Iranian president, Ahmadinejad, referencing Israel being wiped off the map.

• Multiple translations of the speech into English exist, leading to different interpretations and political reactions.

• The institutional context in which translations are produced, as well as the ideologies and power dynamics involved, play a crucial role in how translations are used and cited.