“Promoting the act of translation in this area is able to go beyond the purely linguistic process to produce translated texts imbued with the deep cultural meanings of the original text,” explained Dr. Merini, during a conference organized at the Royal Institute for Research on the History of Morocco, under the theme “From (the written word) to self-formation, the challenges of translation in psychoanalysis“.
The speaker raised, in this sense, many questions on the relationship between translation and psychology and its intersection with many human sciences, and also on the corollary challenges to the transfer of psychological concepts from one language to another, pleading for “the opening of psychoanalysis to familiar linguistic connotations linked to the psychological experience of the recipient”.
In the process, he emphasized the act of translation in the field of psychoanalysis in Morocco and its ability to integrate other cultural contexts and adapt its production to the local context.
For his part, the coordinator of the Higher Academic Translation authority, reporting to the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdelfattah Lahjomri, indicated that this conference is part of the activities of the Authority promoting scientific research on questions of translation studies and its applications, and the promotion of its development in coordination with the scientific organizations and institutions concerned.
Mr.Lahjomri estimated, in a statement to MAP, that this activity is intended to be an opportunity to reflect deeply on the intellectual and philosophical dimensions of translation studies and its relationship with psychology, in the sense that it is indeed not only of a transfer of text from one language to another, but of a connection with a certain number of intellectual, cultural and social questions in general.
Ahmed Farid Merini is a specialist in psychoanalysis and philosophical thought and is the author of several works dealing with psychoanalysis, self-formation and the impact of social and cultural contexts on identity construction.
He is also a founding member of the “Fatema Mernissi Chair” and the Association of Friends of the Fatema Mernissi Center for Cultural Animation (AACFMAC).
How can collaboration with cultural consultants enhance the quality of translations in psychoanalysis?
Interview with dr. Ahmed Farid Merini: Exploring the Intersection of Translation, Psychoanalysis, and Cultural Contexts
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Merini.Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. You recently spoke at a conference about the challenges of translation in psychoanalysis. Can you share what inspired you to focus on this topic?
Dr. Merini: Thank you for having me. My interest in the intersection of translation and psychoanalysis stems from the realization that translating psychological concepts does more than just transfer words from one language to another. It involves delving into the cultural meanings and psychological experiences associated with those concepts. This aspect is crucial, especially in contexts like Morocco, where diverse cultural influences shape our understanding of psychological processes.
editor: you mentioned during your talk that translation is not just a linguistic act, but one that involves deep cultural meanings.Could you elaborate on this?
Dr. Merini: Certainly. When translating psychoanalytical texts, one must consider how cultural nuances can alter the interpretation of psychological concepts. For example, certain terms may resonate differently across languages, influenced by local beliefs, traditions, and social norms. My argument is for the need to open up psychoanalysis to these familiar linguistic connotations to enhance the relevance and resonance of translated texts for the audience.
Editor: Abdelfattah Lahjomri pointed out the philosophical dimensions of translation studies and its relationship with psychology. How do you see these dimensions influencing the practice of translation in psychoanalysis?
Dr. Merini: The philosophical dimensions of translation are vast. They address the ethical implications of how we convey meaning and the obligation translators have in ensuring that essential cultural contexts aren’t lost. In psychoanalysis, this becomes critical as the therapeutic relationship and understanding heavily rely on the nuanced interpretation of psychological concepts. If translations fail to capture these subtleties,we risk misrepresenting the original intent and potentially misunderstanding the therapeutic insights they offer.
Editor: During the conference,you emphasized the importance of integrating othre cultural contexts into psychoanalytic translations. How can practitioners ensure they are doing this effectively?
Dr. Merini: Practitioners can engage in thorough contextual research and collaborate with local psychologists or cultural consultants who understand the nuances of the target audience. This collaboration helps in adapting psychoanalytic concepts to reflect local realities,making them more accessible and applicable. Additionally, promoting discussions on cultural context within academic spaces can further deepen the understanding and application of translated works.
Editor: What advice would you give to translators who are venturing into the field of psychoanalysis?
Dr. Merini: My primary advice would be to immerse themselves in both the source and target cultures. Familiarity with the psychological landscape of the target audience is paramount. They should not only focus on the linguistic elements but also appreciate the underlying cultural, social, and intellectual frameworks. Engaging with communities and receiving feedback from patients or practitioners in the field can offer invaluable insights that substantially enhance translation quality.
Editor: looking ahead, what do you believe are the implications for the future of translation studies in relation to psychology and psychoanalysis?
Dr. merini: The implications are profound. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for culturally sensitive translations will grow. This will challenge translators and psychologists alike to constantly evolve their approaches to understanding identity and psychological constructs across different cultural contexts. Ultimately, the future of translation studies in this domain will likely hinge on our ability to adapt and respond to diverse cultural landscapes while respecting and preserving the integrity of the original concepts.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Merini, for sharing your insights today. It’s fascinating to see how translation can profoundly impact our understanding of psychoanalysis and cultural dynamics.
Dr. Merini: Thank you for having me.It’s an crucial conversation to have, and I’m glad to contribute to it.