Translating the Crisis

This insightful book examines how translation practices influenced the 15M movement, connecting local activism with global protest dynamics and offering valuable perspectives for various academic fields.

In Translating the Crisis, the author explores the diverse translation practices that have significantly influenced the 15M movement, a pivotal force in the recent surge of global protests. This movement, also known as the indignados or 'outraged,' emerged in Spain in 2011 and was characterized by mass demonstrations and occupations of public squares. The book provides a comprehensive examination of how these translation practices not only shaped the movement's identity but also facilitated the spread of its ideas and political discourse across borders.

The author, Fernández, delves into the cultural and intellectual ramifications of the 15M movement, highlighting its evolution into political entities such as Podemos and Barcelona en Comú. By analyzing how translation has enabled the dissemination of new ideas and political debates, the book illustrates the creation of novel intellectual and political figures, while also supporting various political initiatives. This critical investigation reveals the essential role translation plays in the renewal of activist language and the formulation of political platforms.

Through meticulous fieldwork, interviews, and a diverse array of multilingual sources, Translating the Crisis offers an insightful critique of both the potential and limitations of translation in social movements. Fernández combines personal experiences from the Spanish context with a broader transnational perspective, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the political landscape in Spain and its connections to global transformations. This book serves as an essential resource for scholars across multiple disciplines, including Translation Studies, Spanish Studies, and Social Movement Studies.