O.A.S.E. (Forum des Austauschs)
Prof. Dr. Şebnem Susam-Saraeva (Edinburgh) - Translation rights of the more-than-human – thoughts on whale bioacoustics from the perspective of translation and interpreting studies
Keynote Lecture, Summer School “Beyond the Human: Translation and Sustainability”
Abstract: The keynote is based on a project where I focused on issues of translation, representation and ethics in relation to the communication systems of cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises). I will approach cetacean communication, particularly the communication systems of whales and the research being carried out on them, through the perspective of translation and interpreting studies. I will start with a brief discussion of what 'language', 'translation' and '(un)translatability' may mean in the context of whales, then focus on why the colonial and patriarchal-capitalist heritage is relevant to the bioacoustics research carried out on whale vocalisations, continuing with the thorny question of 'who has the right to translate/represent' the whales. Issues of 'translation rights' will then be discussed, concluding with thoughts on the importance of translation studies' contribution to multidisciplinary ecological work.
Prof Şebnem Susam-Saraeva holds a Personal Chair in Translation Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K. Her past research included translation of literary theories, retranslations, research methodology in translation studies, internationalisation of the discipline, non professionals translating/interpreting, translation and gender, translation and popular music, and ethical & representational issues in translation. Her recent work focuses on translation/interpreting in maternal health and on eco-translation, particularly interspecies communication. She is the author of Translation and Popular Music. Transcultural Intimacy in Turkish-Greek Relations (2015) and Theories on the Move. Translation’s Role in the Travels of Literary Theories (2006), and editor of Translation and Music (2008), Non-Professionals Translating and Interpreting. Participatory and Engaged Perspectives (2012, with Luis Pérez-González) and Routledge Handbook of Translation and Health (2021, with Eva Spišiaková).