Exploring Domestication and Foreignization in Translation: Insights from the Works of Canadian Author Anne Michaels

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between domestication and foreignization in Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels, highlighting how translation operates not only as a process of linguistic transfer but also as a means of negotiating identity. Domestication, which involves adapting a text to fit the cultural context of the target audience, is reflected in the experiences of the protagonist, Jakob Beer. After fleeing from Nazi persecution, Jakob adapts to new environments in Greek and English-speaking societies, learning new languages as part of his survival. This adaptation illustrates the necessity of cultural integration, but it also creates a sense of disconnection from his original identity. In contrast, foreignization emphasizes the preservation of the source culture, and this is evident in Jakob’s enduring attachment to his Jewish background and memories of trauma. Despite acquiring new linguistic and cultural frameworks, he remains deeply connected to his past, suggesting that translation can function as a form of remembrance rather than simple substitution. The novel presents translation as a complex negotiation between adaptation and preservation, where language reflects deeper emotional and existential tensions. Through this perspective, Fugitive Pieces can be understood as an exploration of both linguistic and personal translation, revealing the challenges faced by individuals who must balance assimilation with the need to maintain cultural identity. The study ultimately underscores how translation, like survival, involves navigating the delicate boundary between transformation and continuity.