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Economics of literary translation : A simple theory and evidence

Author

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  • GINSBURGH, Victor

    (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL). Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE))

  • WEBER, Shlomo
  • WEYERS, Sheila

    (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL). Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE))

Abstract

Books are an important factor of cultural transmission, but need, in most cases, to be translated. According to some authors, this may lead to a form of cultural domination, in particular of English, on other languages. All these papers ignore that thepopulation speaking English as a first language is, with the exception of Mandarin, the largest in the world. It is therefore not surprising that English produces more fiction (and much more scientific literature, as scientists from all countries write more and more in English) than any other language. We develop a theoretical model of translation, which is estimated on the basis of UNESCO translation data. We show that translations from English are dominated by translations from other languages,including Scandinavian ones and French.

Suggested Citation

  • GINSBURGH, Victor & WEBER, Shlomo & WEYERS, Sheila, 2007. "Economics of literary translation : A simple theory and evidence," LIDAM Discussion Papers CORE 2007062, Université catholique de Louvain, Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE).
    • Handle: RePEc:cor:louvco:2007062
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    Cited by:

    1. Caminal, Ramon, 2010. "Markets and linguistic diversity," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 76(3), pages 774-790, December.

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    JEL classification:

    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature

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