Sexuality and Translation

Abstract

This chapter offers a panorama of research on sexuality and translation, a promising field of research still underexamined. Two directions are identified: the translation of sexuality, and the sexualization of translation. The cooperation between disciplines has generated a number of discourses and phenomena—that is, erotic/pornographic literature; (self)censorship in translation; gay/queer translation; as well as the sexualization of translation. These promising lines of inquiry are briefly presented, and a few examples of analyses are added. Though much more work is needed, the critical alliance of translation and sexuality seems to be offering valuable insights into the ideological construction of a given society, particularly into the endless (re)writings of sexual identities, desires, and pleasures. Whether they will constitute a proper interdiscipline—in terms of a common focus or methodologies—remains to be seen.