Paratextual Framing of Translation Studies Books in the Turkish Context
Abstract
This study examines the paratextual elements framing the Çeviri Odası (Translation Room) series, an initiative aimed at making Translation Studies (TS) literature accessible to Turkish readers. Despite the growing interest in TS education and research in Türkiye, the availability of translated academic works remains limited. Addressing this gap, the study focuses on how the paratexts—such as prefaces, translator biographies, and editorial notes—mediate the reception and scholarly positioning of these texts within the Turkish academic landscape. While prior research has explored the significance of paratextual elements in literary works, few studies have focused on theoretical texts on translation. This research employs a qualitative approach, conducting a detailed paratextual analysis of five books in the series to assess their role in contextualizing translation theories for Turkish readers. Findings reveal that the series endeavors to bridge international scholarship with local academic discourse but also highlights challenges, such as limited recognition of translators and discrepancies in editorial practices. These results underscore the transformative role of paratexts in facilitating cultural and academic exchange. The study contributes to Translation Studies by addressing a critical gap in the literature and providing a foundation for future inquiries into the cultural circulation of translated academic texts.
Keywords
Paratext, translation studies, Çeviri Odası, translator, editor
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