Paula G Rubel

Translating Cultures: Perspectives on Translation and Anthropology Paula G Rubel 1st edition

Marc Notes: Bibl. ref. & index; Also avail. in cloth. Publisher Marketing: The task of the anthropologist is to take ideas, concepts and beliefs from one culture and translate them into first another language, and then into the language of anthropology. This process is both fascinating and complex. Not only does it raise questions about the limitations of language, but it also challenges the ability of the anthropologist to communicate culture accurately. In recent years, postmodern theories have tended to call into question the legitimacy of translation altogether. This book acknowledges the problems involved, but shows definitively that 'translating cultures' can successfully be achieved. The way we talk, write, read and interpret are all part of a translation process. Many of us are not aware of translation in our everyday lives, but for those living outside their native culture, surrounded by cultural difference, the ability to translate experiences and thoughts becomes a major issue. Drawing on case studies and theories from a wide range of disciplines -including anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, art history, folk theory, and religious studies - this book systematically interrogates the meaning, complexities and importance of translation in anthropology and answers a wide range of provocative questions, such as: -Can we unravel the true meaning of the Christian doctrine of trinity when there have been so many translations? -What impact do colonial and postcolonial power structures have on our understanding of other cultures? -How can we use art as a means of transgressing the limitations of linguistic translation?Translating Cultures: Perspectives on Translation and Anthropology is the first book fully to address translation in anthropology. It combines textual and ethnographic analysis to produce a benchmark publication that will be of great importance to anthropologists, philosophers, linguists, historians, and cultural theorists alike.

Contributor Bio:  Rubel, Paula G Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel began their collaboration in 1971 when they published a comparative study of the potlatch in six northwest coast societies entitled, Feasting with Mine Enemy. They have done fieldwork together in Iran, Afganistan, and Papua New Guinea. They have recently published a book on the history of contact between Europeans and New Irelanders. Rosman and Rubel have published numerous books and continue to do fieldwork. Paula G. Rubel has a Ph. D. in anthropology from Columbia University. She carried out fieldwork on the Kalmyk Mongol refugees who settled in New Jersey and Philadelphia in 1950. Her Ph. D. dissertation was published as The Kalmyk Mongols: A Study in Continuity and Change. She is now Emerita professors of anthropology at Barnard College, Columbia University. Contributor Bio:  Rosman, Abraham Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel began their collaboration in 1971 when they published a comparative study of the potlatch in six northwest coast societies entitled, Feasting with Mine Enemy. They have done fieldwork together in Iran, Afganistan, and Papua New Guinea. They have recently published a book on the history of contact between Europeans and New Irelanders. Rosman and Rubel have published numerous books and continue to do fieldwork. Abraham Rosman received his Ph. D. in anthropology from Yale University. His first fieldwork was with the Kanuri of Bornu Province, in northern Nigeria. He has taught at Vassar College and at Antioch College and is now Emeritus professor of anthropology at Barnard College, Columbia University. Contributor Bio:  Rubel Janet Rubel is an Illinois attorney. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent School of Law. She has practiced law for more years than she cares to admit. Ms. Rubel has been an adjunct faculty member at Harper College teaching probate law for paralegals and John Marshall Law School teaching advanced appellate practice. She has won some notable cases in the Illinois Appellate Court that have attracted national attention.