Douglas Robinson (academic)

Douglas Robinson is an American scholar, translator, and theorist, known for his work in translation studies, rhetoric, and affect theory. He is currently a Chair Professor in the Department of English at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Robinson's work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields like philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, and literary theory to understand the complex processes involved in translation and communication. He is particularly interested in the affective dimensions of translation, exploring how emotions, feelings, and unconscious biases shape both the translator's work and the reception of translated texts.

Key Contributions and Themes:

• Somatic Translation: Robinson's concept of somatic translation emphasizes the embodied experience of translating. He argues that translation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a physical and emotional process that involves the translator's entire being. The translator's own body, history, and cultural background influence their interpretation and re-creation of the source text.

• The Translator's Turn: Robinson has advocated for a shift in focus from the source text to the translator, arguing that the translator's role is often undervalued or misunderstood. He calls for a greater understanding of the translator's agency, creativity, and responsibility in shaping the meaning and impact of translated works.

• Affect Theory and Translation: Robinson's engagement with affect theory explores how emotions, feelings, and moods influence the translator's decisions and the reader's experience. He examines the ways in which affect can be both a resource and a constraint in the translation process.

• Translation and Cultural Exchange: Robinson's work also addresses the broader implications of translation for cultural exchange and understanding. He argues that translation can be a powerful tool for bridging cultural divides and promoting intercultural dialogue, but it can also perpetuate inequalities and misunderstandings.

Selected Publications:

• The Translator's Turn (1991)
• Becoming a Translator: An Accelerated Course (1997)
• Translation and Empire: Postcolonial Theories Explained (2002)
• Who Translates? Translator Subjectivities Beyond Reason (2001)
• Performative Linguistics: Speaking and Translating as Doing Things with Words (2003)
• Estrangement (2017)

Robinson's prolific writings have significantly influenced the field of translation studies, prompting scholars to reconsider traditional approaches and to explore new perspectives on the translator's role, the affective dimensions of translation, and the cultural implications of cross-lingual communication. He continues to contribute to the ongoing debates and discussions within the field through his research, teaching, and public lectures.