As translation research with a cultural approach, my MA in Translation’s independent study, titled ‘Nationalism and Otherness in King Rama VI’s Translation of Shakespeare’s the Merchant of Venice’, highlights translative adaptation in line with the concept of otherness, that is, in a way that amplifies negative qualities of the ‘Other’ while at the same time also contrarily promotes the idea of royal nationalism.
Analysis of the Thai translation that takes into account its sociopolitical context leads to the conclusion that the translative adaptation is a result of anxiety over the status as a ‘nation’ of Siam under an absolute monarchy amidst the influx of foreign influences.
The study brings to the fore the insidious power on a mental level of translation as an ideological tool that accompanies its function of transferring meaning from one culture to another in different contexts. This is an example of how translation studies has led me to explore human intellectual interactions through communication in accordance with their sociopolitical economic and cultural contexts and how it becomes a part of the foundation of my worldview in contemplation of the human society.
Acknolwedgments:
I humbly thank Professor Phrae Chittiphalangsri, the advisor of this master’s research, and the MA Program in Translation at the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, for entrusting me with the task of sharing my research experience with the program’s current students. Selected as the program’s Spotlight Research for this event, the opportunity—three years after my graduation—prompted me to reflect on the lasting impact of my journey in translation studies, including the writing of my independent study in the field. [Access: Full text – TH]
In the task of imparting some useful tips for dissertation writing, I had the chance to review and propose a set of relevant guidelines from my experience, particularly on well-organized thinking, reading, and writing processes. These are the skills in which I was profoundly trained while composing this dissertation with close guidance from Professor Phrae, who has been one of the key inspirations for my embarking on an academic path. Also, these skills form an integral part of my intellectual journey, and are to be further improved on a continual basis.
Find on:
