JOURNAL ARTICLE

Experience and/or knowledge?: Beyond the dichotomy of positionality in literary translation.

  • Published In: Babel: International Journal of Translation / Revue Internationale de la Traduction / Revista Internacional de Traducción, 2026, v. 72, n. 2. P. 135 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Cazzolla, Mauro 3 of 3

Abstract

In early 2021, the Dutch publisher Meulenhoff was criticized for assigning the translation of black American poet Amanda Gorman's poem to a white author, Marieke Lucas Rijneveld. Gorman had recited her poem "The Hill We Climb" on 20 January 2021 at the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President Joe Biden. Following the controversy, Rijneveld decided to decline her translation job, and the Dutch publisher replaced her with a black translator. This change subsequently angered many translators who openly challenged the Dutch publisher's decision, asserting that translators can and should have the right to translate anything, regardless of whether or not they share the same characteristics and identities as their authors — or what is defined as "positionality." This article explores the question of positionality in literary translation using some concrete examples and interviews with international authors such as Edouard Louis and Annie Ernaux, reflecting on the influence of both experience and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Babel: International Journal of Translation / Revue Internationale de la Traduction / Revista Internacional de Traducción. 2026/03, Vol. 72, Issue 2, p135
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Women's Studies and Feminism
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0521-9744
  • DOI:10.1075/babel.25009.caz
  • Accession Number:192934338
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Babel: International Journal of Translation / Revue Internationale de la Traduction / Revista Internacional de Traducción is the property of John Benjamins Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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