Translation as negotiation : a musical perspective

Abstract

Discourse on translation studies is situated in this article outside linguistics, in musical studies. Contextualising and problematising issues when music from African choir culture is translated for non-Africans (Westerners) to perform, the main problem - translation as negotiation - is explored together with notions of hybridity, the 'Third Space', boundaries, identity, authenticity and cultural compatibility within performance contexts. Cultural studies bring to linguistics a wider perspective of translation; how translation studies relate to other disciplines and expressive forms, like music. The researchers argue that translation of African choir music for performance by non-Africans can only be achieved in cultural dialogue.