Translation censorship

Abstract

The imperative significance of translation and translators, the existence of multiple synchronic translations of the same literary works, and the stringent censorship enforced by a totalitarian theocratic regime on translators are among numerous facets that render the Iranian context a promising subject for translational research, transcending its geographical boundaries. However, despite the distinct peculiarities of this domain, the matter of translation censorship in Iran has not garnered the scholarly attention it warrants. In contrast to academic literature, the issue of censorship in translation has received relatively more substantial coverage in non-academic Persian-speaking journals and newspapers within Iran, wherein interviews with professional translators are frequently featured. This discrepancy highlights a disconnect between academia and the practical realities concerning the plight of translation censorship in Iran, necessitating reconciliation. Accordingly, this paper addresses this disparity by elucidating the enigma of translation censorship in Iran, meticulously expounding its operative mechanisms and the primary actors involved.