The Greek Community of Melbourne continues its enlightening Greek History and Culture Seminars with a captivating lecture titled “Literary Translation as a Political Act.” Dr. Konstandina Dounis will present this thought-provoking discussion at The Greek Centre on Thursday, July 13.
The lecture delves into the political dimension of literary translation, which has historically played a role in promoting national cultures and crossing borders.
However, Dr. Dounis takes a different approach by examining the significance of literary translation within the linguistically and culturally diverse diaspora reality, drawing from personal experiences rooted in gender and class issues.
By translating the poetry and prose of first-generation immigrants into English, the dominant language in Australia, the potential arises to broaden the national literary canon.
This inclusion of previously silenced narratives, particularly those depicting working-class experiences during the post-war mass migration era, challenges the existing portrayal of immigrant life and provides an opportunity to reconsider official historical perspectives. The result is a richer socio-cultural mosaic infused with valuable details.
Dr. Konstandina Dounis, a cultural historian, author, and literary translator, focuses her research on Greek-Australian literature, history, and culture.
Her expertise in uncovering immigrant women’s texts and challenging gender-based invisibility has garnered recognition and awards. She teaches at Monash University and contributes to the enhancement of teaching practices through the Monash Education Academy.
When: Thursday, July 13th, at 7 pm,
Where: at the Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)
For more information, contact +61 3 9662 2722 or email info@greekcommunity.com.au.
