Investigating Translational Poetics in Canadian Francophone Literatures

''AHRC : Sheela Mahadevan : AH/R012679/1''
This project will shed new light on the interrelations between creative writing and translation in understudied contemporary Canadian Francophone literary works. Firstly, the works of two contemporary Francophone writer-translators of Montreal, Emile Martel and Louis Jolicoeur, will be analysed. Secondly, interrelations between the aspects of translation in Montreal's cityscape, soundscape and literatures will be investigated; thirdly, the methodology of translation will be employed as a critical tool to examine ways in which translation processes are woven into creative writing in indigenous Canadian Francophone works.

In addition to shedding light on understudied literary works, the project will demonstrate and investigate how translation can be used to facilitate integration and to bridge divides in multilingual communities. It will also demonstrate how translation may be used as a tool for creative writing and as a tool for the critical analysis of literature. Additionally, the project will demonstrate how translation can be used to enhance interdisciplinary research. The project will broaden perspectives on the role of translation within and outside of Academia. Furthermore, by analysing Francophone indigenous Canadian literatures, the project will contribute new perspectives to this emerging area of Canadian research. It will also enrich existing UK research on various aspects of Translation Studies and French Canadian Literatures.