El franquismo frente a otras voces

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the socio-political environment on the publication of the first translation into Catalan of Anne Frank’s diary (Folch i Camarasa 1959), which had passages cut from the Spanish rendition in 1955. Based on two translations of the same text into two languages spoken in Spain, the analysis will center on the impact of the changes that occurred during the 1950s, characterized by a moderate “opening up.” Attention will be drawn to the role played by the Catalonian publishing industry in reviving cultural production at a time when the voices of the Other were subject to strict control. The efforts to ensure that the book – penned by an author whose testimony pertained to a distant reality – was available in Catalan show the willingness to use translation to question the dominant hegemonic discourse. Furthermore, the text can be considered the initiator of the development undergone by the publishing sector in Catalonia starting in 1962. On the other hand, tolerance of this translation is to be explained because the Francoist regime had to adapt to the circumstances and make concessions to promote a positive international image.