Finding translations. On the use of bibliographical databases in translation history

Abstract

In any study of translations one must first decide what is to be counted as a "translation" and how such things are to be found, usually through recourse to bibliographical databases. We propose that, starting from the maximalist view that translations are potentially everywhere, various distribution processes impose a series of selective filters thanks to which some translations are more easily identified and accessible than others. The study of translation must be aware of these prior filters, and must know how to account for them, and sometimes how to overcome them. Research processes then necessarily impose their own selective filters, which may reduce or extend the number and kinds of t..