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Article published In: Babel
Vol. 63:4 (2017) ► pp.463–485

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Globalization, translation and soft power

A Chinese perspective

 | Shanghai University |
Published online: 20 November 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.63.4.01wu
Scholars have extensively explored translation as product and as process, but relatively little attention has been paid to translation as a power of defence and construction. This paper proposes a modest step in this direction by conceptualizing the power of translation in the modern world of globalization in terms of the soft power theory, with particular reference to the Chinese context. With this in mind, the author argues that globalization presents both opportunities and challenges for translation as a soft power. In the face of rising fears regarding a crisis of identities and a cultural deficit intensified by globalization, the roles of translation as a “cultural filter” and a bridge for intercultural communication give it a defensive soft power. Under soft-power-oriented policies, translation not only serves as a “charm” tool for public diplomacy and nation-branding, but also contributes to an understanding of China’s ideals and helps export Chinese cultural values, thereby highlighting its role as a constructive soft power.
Résumé
Les chercheurs ont beaucoup étudié la traduction en tant que produit et processus, mais lui ont prêté relativement peu d’attention en tant que puissance de défense et de construction. Cet article se veut un modeste pas dans cette direction, en conceptualisant la puissance de la traduction à l’ère de la mondialisation sur la base de la théorie du soft power et en se référant en particulier au contexte chinois. Dans cet esprit, l’auteur affirme que la mondialisation présente à la fois des opportunités et des défis pour la traduction en tant que soft power. Face aux craintes suscitées par les crises identitaires et un déficit culturel intensifié par la mondialisation, les rôles de la traduction en tant que « filtre culturel » et moyen de promouvoir une communication interculturelle lui permettent d’être un soft power défensif. Bien que sous l’autorité de politiques orientées vers un soft power, la traduction sert non seulement d’outil « de charme » pour la diplomatie publique et l’image d’une nation, mais contribue également à faire mieux comprendre les idéaux de la Chine et à exporter les valeurs culturelles chinoises, ce qui défend son rôle de soft power constructif.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Globalization and translation: A cultural perspective
  • 3.Theoretical framework: Translation, power dynamics and soft power
  • 4.Translation as defensive soft power: A perspective from cultural security
    • 4.1Translation and cultural reconstruction
    • 4.2Translation in face of cultural deficit
  • 5.Translation as constructive soft power: An ambition of the “Great Renewal”
    • 5.1Translation as a “charm” tool for public diplomacy and nation branding
    • 5.2Translation to develop an understanding of China’s ideals and export Chinese values
    • 5.3Ensuring sustainable development of the translation industry
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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