Translation as a Soft Power to Westernise Local Identities: An Arab Perspective

Abstract

Translation theory and practice have become so westernised that there is almost one, and one only, way for the flow of information regarding the discipline. In a globalised world, translation can be used as a form of soft power to serve the dominant power's interests. This study aims to investigate translation theory and practice as a soft power from an Arab point of view. In so doing, it raises questions about the extent to which translation as such is westernized, and about the implications for local identities. The study's theoretical framework is based on Venuti's concepts of 'the scandals of translation', 'domestication' and 'foreignisation'. It is a qualitative study with different tools of analysis. First, it utilises a descriptive approach to the history of translation theories. Second, it analyses and compares the content of source texts written in the hegemonic language of the Empire, English, and their corresponding target texts in the less hegemonic language, Arabic, and vice versa. The implications are 'scandalous' on the Arab identity and image.