Author(s): Gülfer TUNALI
Research on translation studies has generally drawn attention to the invisible, silent and secondary status of translators in the society. However, the recent studies conducted in the different countries have revealed that translators endeavour to develop their status and improve their prestige. In the light of these studies, it is possible to claim that similar to the members of almost any occupational group, the translators in Turkey as well intend to increase their status in the society. This study displays that the literary translators in Turkey struggle against the negative image predominant in the society by talking about their profession and practices. Analyzing the discourse of the literary translators from 1980s up till today, this study casts light upon their “identity negotiations” so as to increase their status and improve their prestige. On the basis of the analysis, this study argues that the literary translators distinguish themselves from their anonymous colleagues to increase their symbolic capital by constructing identities as a) shaper and protector of the national language, b) cultural initiator and trendsetter, and c) artist on his/her own right.
The Journal of International Social Research received 7760 citations as per Google Scholar report
