Translation, Aesthetics, and Comparative Literature in an Age of Globalization

Abstract

Translation plays a preponderant role in bringing cultures into contact, but this role is not confined to connecting literatures or even presenting texts in other languages to readers with no linguistic skills to read in the original text. The importance of translation increases when it is considered as system, as it tends to develop national literature when the latter is in crisis, about to experience changes, or lives in a vacuum. This position may also uncomfortably serve to veil culture with conservatism or spread imperialism. The implications are deep since translation as an activity is imbricated with ideology, identity, and aesthetics. There is, however, a consensus, that through translation, literatures travel from one language to another, spread, and influence both local literatures and the diverse other arts. This helps the author to move to universality while all other artists may embrace his ideas and ideals. The influence between literature and art, therefore, is sealed. The major and crucial task of translation is to help keep identity within universality.