HERE IS THE LIFE OF A WOMAN WRITER. TRANSLATION AND GENDER IN GALICIAN PUBLISHING POLICIES (2011-2018)

Abstract

Aim of this paper is to determine whether the fourth-wave feminism is being translated into the configuration of an own feminist Galician literary canon. Based on a quantitative analysis of translated literary works originally written by women writers and published in Galician between 2011 and 2018, and given recent publications apparently responding to feminist editorial policies, this paper analyses an eventual break in the triple marginalization (translation, gender and minoritized language) women writers were subject to in Galician literary system. The concept of triple marginalization was pointed out in a previous investigation (2011) in collaboration with María Xesús Nogueira.
The quantitative analysis of translated works produces an astonishing result: 19 per cent of female authors published in contrast to 81 per cent of male authors. This suggests a consistent undervaluation of women writers’ books when it comes to translation, despite the asymmetry to the publication of books that are originally written in Galician.
Moreover, the paper includes an analysis of the catalogue of women authors translated and published during this period, since it provides an accurate image of the role played by gender and translation in Galician literature. Some notes on how they are—or in fact “are not”— paratranslated are included as well.
Concerning publishers and initiators, three current trends are observed. First, well-established publishing houses are including more internationally well-known women writers in their catalogues. However, their interest seems to be mostly based on market trends, reacting to the increasing demand of feminist texts, but in fact applying cooptation policies. Second, independent publishers, acting mostly as translators as well, who are gaining social capital thanks to their effort on publishing translations which are not available on the Spanish polysystem and “resist the passing of time”. This has a positive effect on the reception. Third, activist translators acting as agents and initiators, willing to create new cultural meanings and bring about social change.
Despite the above-mentioned asymmetry, recent Galician editions from 2019 on such as Feminism for the 99 Per Cent by Catro Ventos or The Maiden’s Tale by Irmás Cartoné, or the announcement of the upcoming collection Indomeables (‘Untameables’) by translator María Reimóndez, are particularly encouraging.