Online Translation-as-Activism against Censorship: The Case of Translating The Whistle Giver

Abstract

This research addresses the under-explored role of translation as a form of activism in China, particularly in the context of online platforms. While online activism in China has garnered significant attention, the specific role of translation as a transformative practice has received limited scholarly focus. This study examines the translation campaign surrounding The Whistle Giver, a censored article pertaining to COVID-19, which involved a collaborative effort by non-professional translators who strategically rendered the original text into various unreadable forms. By employing translation as a tool of metramorphosis, these translators challenged the dominance of official discourse and asserted their individual agency in shaping public narratives. This case study demonstrates the potential of Web 2.0-enabled translation as a means of combating censorship and fostering grassroots ideological struggles. Web 2.0 platforms play a pivotal role in facilitating the collaborative nature of this translation campaign, allowing for the dissemination and sharing of the transformed texts. The interactive and participatory features of Web 2.0 platforms provide fertile ground for the emergence of a playful and ritualistic dimension to the translation process. By harnessing the power of Web 2.0-enabled translation, activists forge a collective identity, challenging any existing power structures and fostering collective memories. This form of activism transcends traditional boundaries, utilizing translation as a transformative practice to shape public discourse and effect social and political change. The study sheds light on the crucial role of non-professional translators, the transformative potential of translation as a tool for resistance, and the impact of Web 2.0 platforms in facilitating collaborative and participatory practices.