Translation and the Global City

Book excerpt: Translation and the Global City showcases fresh perspectives on translation in a global context, drawing on case studies from Montreal and other multilingual cosmopolitan cities to examine the historical, sociological and cultural factors underpinning the travel of languages, ideas and cultures across borders. Building on the "spatial turn" in translation studies, the book adopts a bridge metaphor to explore the complexities of translational spaces and the ways in which translation acts can both unite and divide in the global city. The collection initiates the discussion with a focus on the Canadian context and specifically the city of Montreal, where historical circumstances, public policy and shifting language politics have led to a burgeoning translation industry. It goes on to address issues of translation in other regions and cities of the world, generating new insights and opening avenues for further research into the relations between languages and cultures. This volume will be of particular interest to students and scholars in translation studies, especially those with an interest in translation theory and the sociology of translation.