What is it about?
This article explores the potential of Bourdieu’s trajectory concept as an approach to microhistorical research, using the life history of Egypt’s late Minister of Culture Tharwat Okasha as a case study. The focus throughout is on Okasha’s multipositionality throughout his trajectory as a military officer and then as a military attaché in France between 1939 and 1956. Through a close reading of memoirs, translations and writings, the article investigates how he traversed different fields (the military, psychology, history and journalism) and the effect of this movement on his translation practices. In so doing, the article integrates this analysis into a sociological examination of the politics of the Free Officers, who led the 1952 coup, and argues that the relational concept of trajectory allows the reconstruction of history at the intersection between the lived experience of an individual and the network of agents engaged in the same fields.
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Why is it important?
The study’s significance lies in exploring the potential of using Bourdieu’s sociology to construct microhistories of translators, whereby the trajectory concept is grounded in the broader framework of Bourdieu’s conceptual tools, such as capital and habitus. Furthermore, the study also uses micro-examples of translations and writings as key items of evidence to piece together the broader picture of the Egyptian military establishment and the political landscape between 1939 and 1956. Special attention is paid to the role of translation in the politics of the Free Officers, who led the 1952 coup that overthrew the Egyptian monarchy and established the modern Republic of Egypt.
Perspectives
This article significantly advances the field of translation history by utilizing Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological concepts, particularly the idea of trajectory, to explore the multifaceted life and works of Egypt’s Tharwat Okasha. By applying Bourdieu’s framework, the study offers a nuanced analysis of Okasha's roles as a military officer, translator, journalist, psychologist, historian, and Minister of Culture. Key Contributions: Integrative Approach: The article bridges microhistory and translation sociology, providing a holistic view of Okasha’s life and his impact on various fields. This integrative approach highlights how his diverse roles influenced his translation practices. Agency and Multipositionality: By focusing on Okasha's multipositionality, the study foregrounds the agency of translators within their social and historical contexts. It shows how Okasha's movement across different fields shaped his translation work and contributions to Egyptian culture. Theoretical Innovation: The use of Bourdieu’s underutilized concept of trajectory in translation studies is a novel contribution. It offers a new methodological tool for examining the complex interplay between individual translators’ lives and broader sociopolitical structures. Enhanced Understanding of Translation History: This research underscores the importance of considering translators' personal and professional trajectories to understand their broader cultural and political impact. It enriches translation history by linking it with sociological theories and methodologies.
Hisham M. Ali
KU Leuven
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This page is a summary of: Bourdieu’s trajectory concept as an approach to microhistorical research in translation, Translation in Society, July 2024, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/tris.23023.ali.
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