Role of Translated Media in the Catalan Freedom Struggle
Digangana Chanda
23125001
Digangana Chanda
23125001
The translation of literary texts and politically charged songs into Catalan has played a vital role in shaping
and reinforcing Catalan national identity, particularly within the context of the region’s ongoing struggle
for cultural and political autonomy. By examining the translation of iconic works such as Don Quixote and
the adaptation of songs by artists like Víctor Jara, this essay explores how translation serves as a powerful
tool of cultural affirmation and resistance against dominant narratives. Through the lens of translation
studies, particularly André Lefevere’s concept of translation as rewriting and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s
notion of the politics of translation, the essay analyzes how these translations not only preserve the
distinctiveness of Catalan language and culture but also recontextualize and reinterpret these works to align
with the values and aspirations of the Catalan people. In doing so, translation becomes a means of asserting
Catalan identity, encouraging solidarity with global resistance movements, and challenging the cultural
hegemony of the Spanish state.
1) Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes and first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, is
considered one of the most important works in Western literature. The novel follows the adventures of a
middle-aged man named Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry that he decides
to become a knight-errant, adopting the name Don Quixote. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho
Panza, Don Quixote sets out on a series of misadventures, mistaking windmills for giants and inns for
castles, in his quest to revive chivalry and protect the helpless. It was written at a time when Spain was
grappling with the decline of its Golden Age. The novel has become a cornerstone of Spanish literature and
a powerful symbol of Spanish identity. Don Quixote, as a character, has come to symbolize many traits
associated with the Spanish national character. His character embodies a kind of noble idealism that, even
when misguided, reflects a deep commitment to values such as honor, dignity, and loyalty—qualities that
have historically been celebrated in Spanish culture. Spain, as a nation, has historically been marked by
grand ambitions and dreams, from the Reconquista to its imperial conquests in the Americas. However,
these dreams often collided with harsh realities, leading to periods of decline and introspection. Don
Quixote’s misadventures reflect this duality of the Spanish psyche, where the pursuit of lofty ideals often
leads to disillusionment. This cultural embrace of quixotism highlights a national pride in being willing to
fight for ideals, no matter how impractical they may seem. Moreover, Miguel de Cervantes, through the
creation of Don Quixote, became a national literary icon, and his work is celebrated as a pinnacle of Spanish
cultural achievement. The novel’s widespread influence established Spanish literature on the global stage,
contributing to a sense of pride in Spain’s cultural and intellectual contributions
The first complete translation into Catalan of Don Quixote was also printed in Barcelona in 1882 entitled
L’Ingeniós Hidalgo Don Quixot de la Mancha. Written by Miquel de Cervantes Saavédra and translated
into Catalan by Mr. Eduard Tàmaro, Bachelor of Law. As well as a lawyer, Tàmaro (1845‒1889) was a
historian and regularly contributed work to publications such as La Renaixença and La Il·lustració Catalana.
The translation of Don Quixote into Catalan has played a significant role in the context of Catalan
nationalism. This impact is particularly noteworthy given the novel's status as a foundational text of Spanish
literature and its symbolic association with Spanish cultural identity. Catalunya is a region in northeastern
Spain with its own distinct language and culture with its roots dating back to the early 10th century. Don
Quixote was first published in the early 17th century, a period during which Spain was emerging as a
powerful unified state under the rule of the Habsburgs. At this time, the Kingdom of Aragon, which included
Catalunya, was increasingly integrated into the centralized Spanish monarchy, and Castilian Spanish was
becoming the dominant language of administration, literature, and culture across the Iberian Peninsula. For
Catalunya, this period marked the beginning of a gradual decline in the use of the Catalan language in
public life, a trend that would be exacerbated by later political developments. By the 19th and 20th
centuries, the marginalization of Catalan in favor of Spanish was a source of deep resentment for many
Catalans, particularly as the Catalan Renaixença (Renaissance) movement sought to revive Catalan
language and culture. Within this context, the translation of Don Quixote into Catalan took on a significant
symbolic significance.
Translating Don Quixote into Catalan was an act of cultural affirmation because of its place as a symbol of
Spanish national identity. By translating this iconic work into Catalan, the translators and the broader
Catalan cultural movement asserted that Catalan was as legitimate a language of high culture as Castilian
Spanish. Translating one of Spain’s most important cultural products into Catalan served as a way of
reclaiming a shared cultural heritage on Catalunya's terms. It was a declaration that Catalunya was not
merely a region within Spain, but a distinct cultural and linguistic community with its own identity.
André Lefevere’s concept of translation as rewriting, discussed in his influential work Translation,
Rewriting, and the Manipulation of Literary Fame, provides a critical framework for understanding how
translation can be an act of cultural affirmation. Lefevere argues that translation is not a neutral or purely
linguistic activity but rather a form of cultural and ideological manipulation where the translator actively
shapes the text to reflect the values, aspirations, and needs of the target culture. Lefevere states, “Translation
is the most obviously recognizable type of rewriting, and it is potentially the most influential because it is
able to project the image of an author and/or a (series of) work(s) in another culture” (Lefevere, 1992).
This perspective is particularly relevant when considering the translation of Don Quixote into Catalan. As
a cornerstone of Spanish literature and a powerful symbol of Spanish national identity, Don Quixote carries
significant cultural weight. By translating this iconic work into Catalan, the translators engage in a
deliberate act of rewriting that recontextualizes the novel within a Catalan framework. This act of
translation is not merely about linguistic conversion; it is a form of cultural assertion, aiming to affirm the
legitimacy and vitality of Catalan as a language capable of expressing high culture and intellectual
achievement.
According to Carme Riera, Don Quixote’s themes of idealism, struggle, and the tension between reality
and imagination resonate deeply with the Catalan experience, particularly in the context of its national
aspirations. The figure of Don Quixote, who battles windmills thinking they are giants, can be seen as a
metaphor for the Catalan struggle against what is perceived as the overwhelming forces of Spanish
centralism. The translation thus takes on symbolic importance, aligning the character’s quixotic endeavors
with Catalunya’s own quests for recognition, autonomy, and cultural survival. Although, as Catalan
nationalism began to assert itself, identifying Catalunya as a separate nation, “Don Quixote” ceased to be
considered a national classic within Catalunya. The work, written in Spanish and embodying Castilian
values, did not align with the nationalist sentiment that sought to emphasize the distinctiveness of Catalan
culture, language, and history.
Catalan nationalists like Valentí Almirall critiqued “Don Quixote” for encapsulating the Castilian character,
which they viewed as antithetical to the Catalan ethos. The book's portrayal of a quixotic idealism was seen
as a reflection of the impractical and unrealistic mindset that nationalists attributed to the Castilian identity.
Catalan nationalists often contrasted the perceived Castilian traits embodied by Don Quixote—such as
irrational idealism and pride—with what they viewed as the more pragmatic and modern characteristics of
the Catalan people.
2) General Francisco Franco's rule, which lasted from 1939 until his death in 1975, had a repressive impact
on Catalunya, particularly concerning the Catalan language and culture. Franco's regime aimed to
consolidate a unified Spanish identity, which meant the suppression of regional identities, languages, and
cultures, especially those of Catalunya, the Basque Country, and Galicia. Catalan, which had been a vibrant
and widely used language before the Spanish Civil War, was banned in public administration, education,
media, and even in religious services. The regime viewed Catalan as a threat to national unity and its
suppression was part of a broader policy to eliminate regional languages and enforce Castilian Spanish as
the only official language of Spain. Cultural censorship under Franco was severe, with books, newspapers,
and other media in Catalan being banned or heavily censored. The publication of books in Catalan was rare,
and those that were published often had to undergo rigorous censorship to ensure they did not contain any
subversive content. Even translations of foreign works into Catalan were subject to censorship, as seen in
the case of “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, which, despite being a literary work, faced cuts that aligned
with the totalitarian regime's moral and political standards. This led to a significant decline in the public
use of Catalan and a generation of Catalans who were raised without formal education in their native
language. Despite these efforts, the Catalan language and culture survived due to the perseverance of the
Catalan people. Catalan was maintained in private and in cultural and intellectual circles, albeit in a more
subdued and underground manner. Literary works, including censored translations, played a critical role in
keeping the language alive during the dictatorship.
Manuel de Pedrolo's 1964 Catalan translation of James M. Cain's “The Postman Always Rings Twice” faced
significant censorship under Franco's regime. The censorship targeted explicit content, particularly sexual
elements, which were central to the novel's raw and intense atmosphere. This led to substantial alterations
in the text, diminishing the impact of Cain's original work. The following quote emphasizes how the
censorship process targeted key aspects of the novel, altering its tone and the readers’ experience
“La censura franquista va suprimir escenes senceres del llibre, especialment aquelles de caràcter sexual,
i va reduir notablement la cruesa que caracteritza l’obra de Cain. Aquesta intervenció va canviar el to de
la novel·la i va influir en la comprensió que en tenien els lectors catalans.”
(Franco's censorship deleted entire scenes from the book, especially those of a sexual nature, and
significantly reduced the crudeness that characterizes Cain's work. This intervention changed the tone of
the novel and influenced the understanding that Catalan readers had of it.) [Jordi Cornella-Detrell]
Even after Franco’s death in 1975, the censored versions of “The Postman Always Rings Twice” continued
to circulate without significant changes. This persistence highlights how the inertia of the post-Franco
publishing industry contributed to the continued circulation of censored texts, maintaining the distortions
created by censorship.
“Després de la mort de Franco, les versions censurades van continuar reeditant-se sense gairebé cap
modificació. Això reflecteix la inèrcia del sector editorial, que no es va atrevir a corregir les distorsions
imposades per la censura.”
(After Franco's death, the censored versions continued to be reissued with almost no modifications. This
reflects the inertia of the publishing sector, which did not dare to correct the distortions imposed by
censorship.) [Jordi Cornella-Detrell]
There were eventually efforts to retranslate the novel to restore the original content, but these efforts faced
significant challenges. These included economic constraints and the ingrained practices of the publishing
industry, which often led to only partial restorations or continued omissions. The continued publication of
censored versions has significant implications for cultural memory. Many readers were unaware that they
were reading censored texts, leading to a skewed understanding of the works and their themes. The
translation of “The Postman Always Rings Twice” into Catalan during Franco's regime, despite being
heavily censored, was a significant step in preserving the Catalan language and culture at a time when both
were under severe threat. Franco's dictatorship sought to suppress regional languages like Catalan, banning
their use in public life and media, which included severe restrictions on literary works.
However, translations like those done by Manuel de Pedrolo were part of a broader resistance movement
that sought to keep the Catalan language alive. Even though these translations were censored, their existence
alone helped maintain the use of Catalan in literature and offered a form of cultural continuity. These works
were crucial in ensuring that the Catalan language did not disappear entirely from literary and cultural life,
offering Catalan speakers access to international literature in their native language, albeit in a modified
form. This act of cultural defiance was part of a larger effort by Catalan intellectuals and publishers to resist
the regime’s attempts to eradicate Catalan identity. The persistence of publishing in Catalan, even under
such repressive conditions, laid the groundwork for the cultural revival that followed the end of the
dictatorship. These translations were instrumental in the broader strategy to prevent the complete erasure
of Catalan culture during Franco’s rule. The use of translations as a vehicle for cultural preservation reflects
the resilience of the Catalan literary community in the face of oppression.
3) Víctor Jara, the Chilean folk singer and activist, significantly impacted various global resistance
movements, including those in Catalunya. His music, deeply rooted in the struggles for social justice and
against oppression, inspired the Catalan people, who have long fought for their own cultural and political
autonomy. As mentioned before, during the Franco dictatorship, Catalunya's cultural identity was
suppressed, and the region's language and traditions were under constant threat. In this context, Jara's songs,
which often addressed themes of freedom, human rights, and resistance against tyranny, became a source
of inspiration. Songs like “Te Recuerdo Amanda” and “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz” echoed the sentiments
of many Catalans who identified with the broader global struggle against fascism and dictatorship.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, who is an Indian scholar, literary theorist, and feminist critic, in her “The
Politics of Translation”, argues that translation involves engaging deeply with the “rhetoricity” of the
original text—its cultural and linguistic nuances—allowing the translator to resist dominant cultural
narratives by preserving the distinctiveness of the original voice. The translation of politically charged
songs by figures like Víctor Jara into Catalan can be seen as an embodiment of Spivak's ideas. These
translations are not just linguistic conversions; they are acts of solidarity that transcend linguistic boundaries
and align with Catalunya's broader struggle for cultural and political autonomy. By translating Jara's songs
into Catalan, translators engage in what Spivak describes as an “intimate act of reading” where the act of
translation becomes a means of resisting the cultural erasure imposed by dominant narratives—in this case,
the Spanish state’s suppression of Catalan identity. Spivak’s notion that translation should “surrender to
the text” to preserve its rhetorical and cultural specificity echoes strongly here. Translators of Jara's music
into Catalan must navigate the delicate balance between making the songs accessible to a Catalan-speaking
audience while retaining the political and cultural force of the original. This process aligns with Spivak's
view that translation is a means of asserting cultural identity and resisting homogenization, as the
translations not only bring Jara's messages of resistance and solidarity into the Catalan context but also
reinforce the ongoing struggle for Catalan autonomy and cultural survival.
Socialism, on the other hand, has long been intertwined with Catalan identity, particularly due to the region's
history of labor movements, its fight for autonomy, and its resistance to authoritarianism. In the early 20th
century, Catalunya was a hub for anarchism and socialist thought. The region was industrially advanced
compared to other parts of Spain, which harbored a strong working-class movement. The rise of anarchist
and socialist groups like the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) and Federación Anarquista Ibérica
(FAI) made Catalunya a center for revolutionary activity, particularly during the Spanish Civil War (1936-
1939). These groups played a significant role in the fight against Franco's fascist forces, and their influence
cemented socialism as a key part of the Catalan resistance. Hence, the use of Jara's music in rallies and
protests further strengthened the ties between the Chilean and Catalan movements, as both communities
saw their struggles reflected in each other's experiences. For instance, in “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz,”
Víctor Jara expresses themes that deeply mirrors the Catalan national movement. The song's chorus, “El
derecho de vivir en paz,” meaning “The right to live in peace” directly parallels Catalunya's aspirations for
peace, autonomy, and the preservation of their cultural identity. Another line, “Indochina es el lugar más
allá del ancho mar, donde revientan la flor con genocidio y napalm” which translates to “Indochina is the
place beyond the wide sea, where they shatter the flower with genocide and napalm,” can be seen as a
metaphor for the suffering of oppressed people under a fascist regime. This imagery of destruction and the
yearning for peace is something that many in Catalunya could relate to during their own struggles for
freedom.
Another example is the song “Plegaria a un labrador” (Prayer to a Laborer): This song is a powerful call
to action, urging the working class to rise up against oppression. The lyrics emphasize the dignity and
strength of those who toil the land, making it a rallying cry for those seeking justice and self-determination.
One excerpt from the song is the following: “Levántate y mírate las manos, para crecer, estréchala a tu
hermano.” (Rise up and look at your hands, to grow, reach out to your brother.) There is also the song
“Luchín”: This song tells the story of a poor child, Luchín, whose innocence and resilience in the face of
hardship symbolize hope for a better future. The narrative of marginalized individuals fighting against their
circumstances is a theme that many Catalans, who have faced cultural and political marginalization, relate
with. One excerpt from the song is the following: “Luchín, niño de pocas luces, con una esperanza en el
corazón.” (Luchín, a child with few lights, with hope in his heart.) This imagery of a child holding onto
hope despite adversity can be seen as a metaphor for the persistence of the Catalan people in their pursuit
of freedom.
After Franco’s death in 1975 and the subsequent transition to democracy, socialist and leftist parties, such
as the Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC), became major political forces in the region. These parties
have been instrumental in advocating for Catalan autonomy, workers’ rights, and social welfare programs.
The modern Catalan independence movement, while diverse in its political affiliations, has strong roots in
leftist ideology, emphasizing social justice, egalitarianism, and anti-fascism as core components of its
identity. The connection between socialism and Catalan identity is also reflected in the region’s ongoing
struggle for greater autonomy or independence from Spain. Many Catalan nationalists see their struggle as
not only a fight for national identity but also for the establishment of a more just and equitable society. The
emphasis on social welfare, public services, and workers’ rights is a significant part of Catalunya’s political
discourse, often contrasting with the more conservative or neoliberal policies at the national level in Spain.
Moreover, the influence of Jara's music is still evident today. In 2023, Barcelona honored him with a concert
during the La Mercè festival, being a living testament to his enduring legacy and the connection between
his ideals and the Catalan cause. This concert was not only a tribute to Jara but also a reminder of the
ongoing fight for democracy and human rights in Catalunya and beyond.