Project abstract:
This is an independent project that aims to promote gender equality through a conscious use of the language. We offer a number of web services including translations, proofreading and linguistic advice with gender perspective to those individuals and organizations willing to integrate the principle of equality in their use of language.
How do we understand translation?
Quite generally, the translator is thought to be a neutral agent whose main goal is to achieve a “faithful” transfer of contents between languages. It is understood that people, when translating, become a kind of instrument with the ability to detach themselves from any impartiality, subjectivity or opinion of their own. According to this, translators do not, under any circumstance, display their own personality into the target text.
In contrast with this widespread understanding, along with all the “post” movements of the 80s, new views and theories regarding translation were born. Those new perspectives completely denied such fidelity as an intrinsic virtue of translation and translators. In Canada, a whole new reinterpretation of the theoretical standards of translation is born driven by feminism. This interpretation requires a new way of looking at the elements which define what is to be a faithful translator. This brought into debate gender roles in writing and traditional hierarchies. Contemporary feminisms have played a key role in the reinterpretation of concepts such as “equivalence” or “fidelity” in the subject:
Ideological neutrality in translation is a patriarchal fiction. Personal bias is always present in texts when translating. From a gender perspective, the translator can be aware of his/her bias, consisting of either holding on to the patriarchal ideology or joining the feminist ideology. But on the other hand, it is also possible for the translator to deny his/her bias, making then an unconscious intervention that necessarily implies keeping the dominant patriarchal ideology. An ideology that, precisely because is dominant, it is seen as “normal”, “natural”, unquestioned, undisputable.
Why choose Aquelarre?
Aquelarre Translate implements these theories. We understand translation as a rewriting that, as such, brings along a manipulation of the language and a positioning. All translators play an important role in the production of the new text. We simply do it consciously adapting ourselves to your needs on each text. To translate means to make decisions, to constantly choose which use of language is better for each sentence, with all the gender connotations, among others, that this entails. We want you to take part in the decision making by choosing a team of feminist professionals that will ensure gender respect in your text. Translation is a place where very different cultural, linguistic and ideological realities meet, becoming a powerful agent of change of the sexist patterns that usually characterize the text.
In Aquelarre Translate we like to think about this job as a political act of transformation of the patriarchal and sexist society; as a tool to give voice to women whose identity is constantly denied. This is our value which makes us different. We add quality and sensitivity that will not go unnoticed and that will provide distinction to each text that we create.
Currently the “gender issue” is getting great attention among both the public and private sectors. Words are power, a power that creates realities. Do not neglect words in those languages that you do not know. We encourage all organizations and individuals willing to see the difference for themselves, to contact Aquelarre. Each translation will be accompanied by a personalized monitoring adapted to the needs of each one. Ask for a free quote. Join Aquelarre!