About the book
Starting with Salman Rushdie’s assertion that even though something is always lost in translation, something can always be gained, Martha Cutter examines the trope of translation in twenty English-language novels and autobiographies by contemporary ethnic American writers. She argues that these works advocate a politics of language diversity — a literary and social agenda that validates the multiplicity of ethnic cultures and tongues in the United States.
Cutter studies works by Asian American, Native American, African American, and Mexican American authors. She argues that translation between cultures, languages, and dialects creates a new language that, in its diversity, constitutes the true heritage of the United States. Through the metaphor of translation, Cutter demonstrates, writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Richard Rodriguez establish a place within American society for the many languages spoken by multiethnic and multicultural individuals.
Cutter concludes with an analysis of contemporary debates over language policy, such as English-only legislation, the recognition of Ebonics, and the growing acceptance of bilingualism. The focus on translation by so many multiethnic writers, she contends, offers hope in our postmodern culture for a new condition in which creatively fused languages renovate the communications of the dominant society and create new kinds of identity for multicultural individuals.
Editions of Lost and Found in Translation
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829776
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807856376
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890880024
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807876824
Read an Excerpt
Starting with Salman Rushdie’s assertion that even though something is always lost in translation, something can always be gained, Martha Cutter examines the trope of translation in twenty English-language novels and autobiographies by contemporary ethnic American writers. She argues that these works advocate a politics of language diversity — a literary and social agenda that validates the multiplicity of ethnic cultures and tongues in the United States.
Cutter studies works by Asian American, Native American, African American, and Mexican American authors. She argues that translation between cultures, languages, and dialects creates a new language that, in its diversity, constitutes the true heritage of the United States. Through the metaphor of translation, Cutter demonstrates, writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Richard Rodriguez establish a place within American society for the many languages spoken by multiethnic and multicultural individuals.
Cutter concludes with an analysis of contemporary debates over language policy, such as English-only legislation, the recognition of Ebonics, and the growing acceptance of bilingualism. The focus on translation by so many multiethnic writers, she contends, offers hope in our postmodern culture for a new condition in which creatively fused languages renovate the communications of the dominant society and create new kinds of identity for multicultural individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lost and Found in Translation about?
Starting with Salman Rushdie’s assertion that even though something is always lost in translation, something can always be gained, Martha Cutter examines the trope of translation in twenty English-language novels and autobiographies by contemporary ethnic American writers. She argues that these works advocate a politics of language diversity — a literary and social agenda that validates the multiplicity of ethnic cultures and tongues in the United States.
Cutter studies works by Asian American, Native American, African American, and Mexican American authors. She argues that translation between cultures, languages, and dialects creates a new language that, in its diversity, constitutes the true heritage of the United States. Through the metaphor of translation, Cutter demonstrates, writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Richard Rodriguez establish a place within American society for the many languages spoken by multiethnic and multicultural individuals.
Cutter concludes with an analysis of contemporary debates over language policy, such as English-only legislation, the recognition of Ebonics, and the growing acceptance of bilingualism. The focus on translation by so many multiethnic writers, she contends, offers hope in our postmodern culture for a new condition in which creatively fused languages renovate the communications of the dominant society and create new kinds of identity for multicultural individuals.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lost and Found in Translation?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism
Where can I read a sample of Lost and Found in Translation?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829776
How long is Lost and Found in Translation and how many pages does it have?
Lost and Found in Translation has 336 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lost and Found in Translation?
Martha J. Cutter
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lost and Found in Translation is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829776) and paperback(ISBN 9780807856376) and ebook(ISBN 9798890880024) and ebook(ISBN 9780807876824)
Where can I buy Lost and Found in Translation online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Lost and Found in Translation from below
Where can I buy Lost and Found in Translation?