The book focuses on the phenomenon of archaization in literary translation. It shows that archaization is closely linked with nostalgia, both phenomena betraying deep-seated affinities. Archaism, like nostalgia, eclectically and arbitrarily recreates the past, in accordance with dominant political and cultural agendas.

The book focuses on the phenomenon of archaization in literary translation. It analyzes the concept of archaism, pointing to its strongly evaluative aspect and highlighting the difficulties connected with supplying its clear and acceptable definition. Archaism and archaization are strongly rooted in nostalgia, understood as the human yearning for stability and harmony. Far from being an idle embellishment or an empty postmodernist game, archaization emerges as a vehicle for powerful emotions embedded in dominant discourses fostered by educated European elites. Archaism, like nostalgia, eclectically and arbitrarily recreates the past, in accordance with dominant political and cultural agendas. Both phenomena idealize the past, forcibly purifying it from all unwanted elements.

Autorentext

Krzysztof Filip Rudolf is Assistant Professor in the Chair of Translation Studies at the University of Gdäsk. His scholarly interests include literary translation, archaization, dialects and nonstandard language in translation, lexicography.

Inhalt

Archaism and archaization: preliminary remarks - Definition of archaism, archaization, and patinization - Functions of archaization and patinization - Archaism and nostalgia - Authenticity of the language used in archaizing translations - Archaization as pastiche