Sociologica
N. 2-3/2009
Doi: 10.2383/31374
Copyright © 2009 by Società editrice il Mulino, Bologna
Translation as a Measure of International Consecration
Mapping the World Distribution of Bourdieu’s Books in Translation
Abstract
This paper analyzes the translation of
Bourdieu’s books into different languages as an indicator of recognition and of
reception of his work. Until 2008, Bourdieu had 347 translated titles, published
into 34 languages and 42 countries. The statistical analysis of these titles
provides a picture of the linguistic and geographic distribution of his work in
translation and of its evolution over time. Network analysis was used in order to
display the centrality of languages, countries and works. Beyond the empirical
results, the editorial reception contributes to the reflection on the international
circulation of ideas. It also raises the question of the relation between the
academic field and the intellectual field.
Keywords:
translation, circulation of ideas, history of
sociology, sociology of intellectuals, network analysis.