Kenneth Goldsmith calls translation “the ultimate humanist gesture”; he also dismisses it as mere “discourse” when contrasted with the artistic and political possibilities of “displacement” (the absence, impossibility or refusal of translation).
This group will try to formulate a response – or counterargument – to Goldsmith. With attention to theory and practice, and with an eye on the shifting cultural paradigms, we will work to reclaim the meaning, value, and relevance of translation in today’s world. Activities will include presentations on translation-related research, workshops, collaborations, invited talks.

If you have any interest in translation, or are working on a project with a translation-related component, please consider joining the group and let Dr. Piotr Gwiazda (gwiazda@umbc.edu) know as soon as you can.