Reparative Translation and Social Justice

Abstract

This essay presents reparative translation as a framework for addressing social justice and historical inequities in translation studies. It argues that traditional Eurocentric translation theory, with its emphasis on linguistic equivalency and Western imperial perspectives, has marginalized non-European cultures, particularly those shaped by colonialism and slavery. Reparative translation emerges as an ethical practice that seeks restitution rather than retribution, drawing parallels with restorative justice models found in Indigenous and African traditions. The theory emphasizes the importance of multilinguality and decoloniality in contemporary post-postcolonial or “metacolonial” contexts, where urban communities create locally derived languages that subvert colonial linguistic dominance. Through examining the intersection of translation with activism, diversity, and inclusion movements, Bandia proposes a horizontal, reciprocal approach to translation that prioritizes marginalized voices and transnational experiences. This framework challenges homogenizing translation practices and advocates for a more inclusive, globally representative translation discourse that acknowledges the complex multilingual realities of postcolonial and diasporic communities in our increasingly interconnected world.