Reading and Translating Across Borders

As part of a conference on ‘Languages of Internationalism’, hosted by the Reluctant Internationalists research group, Katherine Reischl (Princeton University) and Yuliya Komska (Dartmouth College) examine practices of translating across borders, focusing on the publishing histories of M. Il’in’s The Story of the Great Plan and H.A. and Margret Rey’s Curious George. The panel, chaired by Sophie Heywood (University of Reading), addresses how publishers viewed images and languages as mediums which could be easily translated across borders. ‘Languages of Internationalism’ aimed to shed light on the centrality of language to people’s pursuit and experiences of internationalism. Language is at the heart of every international enterprise, but as the conference showed, it presents obstacles and dilemmas, as well as opportunities. Many of the papers emphasised frictions and tensions which emerged over the use of languages in international settings. Discussions showed how language could be a tool of communication, solidarity and unity, as well as a force of division and alienation. But the conference also made clear the centrality of language in the performance, experience and pursuit of internationalism. For more information – bit.ly/2rC0u61