"Thank you … . Facebook": neocolonial practices of translation as self-Seduction. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allen, Nicole T.
• Is Part Of: Communication and critical/cultural studies. Volume 20:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Translation -- neocolonialism -- Egypt 2011 -- protest -- Facebook; Communication and culture -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/14791420.2022.2164318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-1420

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines the diverging translations of an unnamed protester photographed several times throughout the early days of the 2011 Egyptian uprisings. Using iconographic tracking, the paper argues that self-seductive translation is an important concept for critical cultural studies. Self-seductive translation targets neocolonial audiences with an identification chain that obscures the asymmetry of the neocolonial relationship. In the case of the unnamed protester, self-seductive translation encouraged US English speakers to identify themselves as equals with the imaged protester, where the now-equal relationship is delivered by tools and technology of the West.