Lost and Found in Translation

Contemporary Ethnic American Writing and the Politics of Language Diversity

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Black, American
Cover of the book Lost and Found in Translation by Martha J. Cutter, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Martha J. Cutter ISBN: 9780807876824
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: May 18, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Martha J. Cutter
ISBN: 9780807876824
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: May 18, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Starting with Salman Rushdie's assertion that even though something is always lost in translation, something can always be gained, Martha Cutter examines the trope of translation in twenty English-language novels and autobiographies by contemporary ethnic American writers. She argues that these works advocate a politics of language diversity--a literary and social agenda that validates the multiplicity of ethnic cultures and tongues in the United States.

Cutter studies works by Asian American, Native American, African American, and Mexican American authors. She argues that translation between cultures, languages, and dialects creates a new language that, in its diversity, constitutes the true heritage of the United States. Through the metaphor of translation, Cutter demonstrates, writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Richard Rodriguez establish a place within American society for the many languages spoken by multiethnic and multicultural individuals.

Cutter concludes with an analysis of contemporary debates over language policy, such as English-only legislation, the recognition of Ebonics, and the growing acceptance of bilingualism. The focus on translation by so many multiethnic writers, she contends, offers hope in our postmodern culture for a new condition in which creatively fused languages renovate the communications of the dominant society and create new kinds of identity for multicultural individuals.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Starting with Salman Rushdie's assertion that even though something is always lost in translation, something can always be gained, Martha Cutter examines the trope of translation in twenty English-language novels and autobiographies by contemporary ethnic American writers. She argues that these works advocate a politics of language diversity--a literary and social agenda that validates the multiplicity of ethnic cultures and tongues in the United States.

Cutter studies works by Asian American, Native American, African American, and Mexican American authors. She argues that translation between cultures, languages, and dialects creates a new language that, in its diversity, constitutes the true heritage of the United States. Through the metaphor of translation, Cutter demonstrates, writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Richard Rodriguez establish a place within American society for the many languages spoken by multiethnic and multicultural individuals.

Cutter concludes with an analysis of contemporary debates over language policy, such as English-only legislation, the recognition of Ebonics, and the growing acceptance of bilingualism. The focus on translation by so many multiethnic writers, she contends, offers hope in our postmodern culture for a new condition in which creatively fused languages renovate the communications of the dominant society and create new kinds of identity for multicultural individuals.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Eroding Military Influence in Brazil by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Taking Haiti by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Community Power Succession by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book The North Carolina Continentals by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Graveyard of the Atlantic by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Turning the Tables by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book A Virginia Yankee in the Civil War by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book The Yankee International by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Cuban Émigrés and Independence in the Nineteenth-Century Gulf World by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Cheddi Jagan and the Politics of Power by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book The Politics of American Religious Identity by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Country Soul by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Southern Cultures by Martha J. Cutter
Cover of the book Entitled to Power by Martha J. Cutter
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy