Zulawnik focuses on the broad concept of 'controversy' and issues
pertaining to the translation of politically and historically
controversial texts in East Asia.
The research methodology is exemplified through a case study in the form
of the author's translation of the best-selling Japanese graphic novel
(manga) Manga Kenkanryū (Hate Hallyu: The Comic) by Sharin Yamano
(2005), a work that has been problematised as an attack on South Korean
culture and the Korean Wave. Issues analysed and discussed in the
research include translation risk, ethics, a detailed methodology for
the translation of so-called controversial texts exemplified through
numerous thematically divided examples from the translation of the
chosen Japanese text, as well as examples from a Korean language
equivalent (Manhwa Hyeomillyu - Hate Japanese Wave), and definition
and contextualisation of the concept of 'controversy'. There has been
limited research in the field of translation studies, which seeks to
exemplify potential pragmatic approaches for the translation of
politically-charged texts, particularly in multi-modal texts such as the
graphic novel.
It is hoped that Zulawnik's research will serve both as a valuable
source when examining South Korea-Japan relations and a theoretical and
methodological base for further research and the development of an
online augmented translation space with devices specifically suited for
the translation of multi-modal texts such as - but not limited to -
graphic novels and visual encyclopaedias.
