ABSTRACT
For the field of translation studies to be inclusive, it is necessary to increase the presence of histories of translation from contexts regarded as peripheral. Against the background of the marginality of translation research on African contexts in the global discussion of translation, this chapter traces the history of literary translation into Swahili from a sociological perspective. Exploring the complex social history of Swahili literary imports at diverse related levels – translation flows, para- and extratextual analysis, social contextualisation – expands the body of knowledge on translation practices in African contexts. Such history sheds light on the (often unrecognised) role of translation in the history and development of the Swahili literary field, particularly in relation to the development of the role of literature in society and literary negotiations of modernities. This chapter also builds theory through critical questioning and modification of canonical narratives, thereby addressing the need to encourage transnational literary histories, reframing the concept of translation as consecration and expanding mechanisms to deal with literary innovation.
