Αστραδενή (Astradení) / Stregata dalle stelle

Abstract

The article deals with the notions of translation agency and habitus, while applying Mixed Methods and using interviewing as the primary source of information. The target text examined is the Italian translation of the book by Ευγενία Φακίνου (Evghenía Fakínou), Αστραδενή (Astradení), translated as Stregata dalle stelle by Claretta Candotti (publishers Κέδρος [Kédros] in Greece and Crocetti Editore in Italy). In applying Mixed Methods, my analysis follows Lieven D’hulst’s Translation History model, based on some of his eight Latin loci (quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxillis, cur, quomodo, quando, cui bono), with the aim of examining translation agency. In particular, I try to highlight the interaction between the author, the translator, the publishers, and the institutions promoting translation. Moreover, exploring sociological approaches to translation, I attempt to evince how Pierre Bourdieu’s notions of habitus and capital may have played a role in the translational choices of these agents. Most of the data collected derives from a tailor-made questionnaire (Annex I). The answers to the questionnaire, as well as the interview material, are exemplified through targeted, yet necessarily limited, textual analysis. The conclusion highlights the surprising lack of synergies between the translation agents in this particular Greek-Italian context: the deficient communication between author and translator, lack of institutionalized cooperation between Greek and Italian Publishers, and underdeveloped institutional framework for bilateral, state-sponsorship of Greek-Italian literary translations, although the Italian publisher obtained European funding.