On the translation fallout of defeated languages: Translation and change of function of dialect in Romagna

Having in mind the need for preserving linguistic diversity [Hagège 2000] and the importance of the notion of prestige [Lafont 1976; Hagège 2000; Terracini 1996] in the image-building [Tessarolo 1990] of the so-called “defeated” languages [Nadiani 2006] among their speakers, this paper will illustrate in what way translating Romagnolo literary works (mainly poetry and drama) into the major languages –among which the national one- can play a major part in a broader public acknowledgment of the language Romagnolo authors chose to write in. Such translation work appears to foster the image of such language among both more and less educated speakers as well as among the younger generations of “non-speakers”, bringing about a somewhat slowdown in the so-called patoisement process [Lafont 1976]. A definition such as translation fallout on linguistic awareness may sound unfitting –bearing in mind the fact that linguistic awareness is not to be considered as opposing other varieties, but is rather to be seen as the expression of a complex cultural stratification of local identities facing the strict, be it regional or national, monolingual ideology. Yet, the translation work undoubtedly plays a major role in such acknowledgment, which has brought about a number of public and private initiatives [Bellosi 2004], namely a regional law for the fostering of the Emilia-Romagna dialects, an agreement between the provinces of Romagna about initiatives aiming at supporting dialects as well as related publishing and promotional activities (research, audio recordings, conferences, school classes, etc.), besides an intense work carried out by cultural associations through journals, play stagings, etc. Moreover, a new generation of authors is showing a strong creative impulse in different sectors, namely literature –in both its traditional and innovative forms-, drama, cabaret and cinema (with films subtitled in the main vehicular languages), and, last but not least, in the translation of classic and contemporary works (mainly drama) into Romagnolo. This translation issue seems to be an essential path for a defeated language to walk [Cronin 2003; 2006; Nadiani 2006]