The Archivist as Translator: Representation and the Language of Context

Abstract

A record's context forms a complex, intricate, malleable records language that archivists are responsible for translating, including the obligation to document themselves and their own complex contexts as a form of transparency and accountability in the archival endeavor. This article suggests three principles from translation theory that are particularly important in archival representation praxis and the translation of context. These include: 1) translations by their nature are new works that, when done well, exhibit the spirit of the original text; 2) word selection and translation decisions should be justified and documented; and 3) in attempting fidelity to the original text, the goal of the translator is restitution of original meaning. Added to these principles is the argument that a critical element in archival translation activity is documenting the translator—the archivist's own context. The goals of archival translation are fairness, honesty, transparency, and ultimately justice in the representation of archives.