TRANSLATING ANA MARÍA SHUA

A STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This work focuses on the translation into Portuguese (Brazilian) of the work of Argentine writer Ana María Shua, emphasizing certain stylistic, cultural, and ideological aspects present in El Marido Argentino Promedio. It stems from a concern embedded in a fairly common line of thought within the field of translation that questions the legitimacy of the work carried out by the professional whose gender, personal experience, political stance, or even origins and beliefs are not directly linked to the original subject matter of the translated author. To further this reflection, it was essential first to understand the importance of finding a concrete contemporary example capable of giving visibility to the problem at hand and, thus, guiding this discussion, in addition to understanding the concept of “locus of speech” (lugar de fala), so prevalent today. Likewise, it was necessary to look to Cultural Translation Studies, gender issues, and especially the Cultural Turn, to find an adequate theoretical framework to ground this study, and only then present certain aspects of Shua's writing related to rhythm, culture, phraseoparemiology, the female gender, machismo, and eroticism. Based on the cases presented in Shua's work, it was possible to reach a conclusion regarding the role of the literary translator in fields far removed from their own reality.