What is the position of translated literature within the literary polysystem?

What is the position of translated literature within the literary polysystem?


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According to Ithamar Even-Zohar, translated literature constitutes a ''system'' within the literary polysystem because it is selected by the target language literature according to its own selective criteria.

Translated literature occupies a central position in weak literatures, but a peripheral position in strong literatures.

Translated literature occupies a central position in young literatures, but a peripheral position in older literatures.

Translated literature occupies a central position in historical periods marked by a rejection of past traditions, but a peripheral position in periods of great continuity.


Therefore, the position dépends on the socio-political context, and on the above conditions, but the majority of the time, translated literature does not occupy a central position in the polysystem.