Translating Visual Culture

Translating Visual Culture

A Conversation with Zach Davisson and Erica Mena

As writer Modesta di Paola states, “translation is the paradigm of mediation, not only from one language to another but also from one culture to another.” Translators of media such as comics and graphic novels, which combine alphabetic text and graphics, become mediators not just of the written word, but also of visual cultures. Zach Davisson and Erica Mena will talk about what drew them to this challenging task, will share examples of the work they have done, and will explore some of the commonalities and differences in translating alphabetic text works and translating comics and graphic novels. After a brief introduction, each speaker will present for about 15 minutes and then we will invite students to respond and ask questions. Finally, we will open the conversation up to questions from the wider audience.

This event is organized by Joan Munné and Melissa Simmermeyer and has been made possible with the support of Forum for Scholars and Publics, the Mary D.B.T. and J.H. Semans International Exchange Fund, Dean of the Humanities, the Department of Romance Studies, Trinity Language Committee, and Community-Based Teaching and Learning Funds. For more information, visit the Translating Spanish-English and English-Spanish site.