Images of a certain Brazil and networks of significance in the Portuguese translation of Là où les tigres sont chez eux, by Jean-Marie Blas de Roblès: emergence of the exotic?

Abstract

In this article we will focus on the images of Brazil and on the networks of significance (Berman 1995) that appear in the novel Là où les tigres sont chez eux, by Jean-Marie Blas de Roblès, observing its refractions in the Portuguese translation, Lá onde os tigres se sentem em casa, by Mauro Pinheiro and Maria de Fátima do Coutto. It is our goal to show how the creation of an exotic Brazil takes place in the novel and how this exotic emerges and reconfigures itself in the translation. Initially, we will observe the creative process of the author: through a movement of reversion of expectations he engenders the construction of networks of significance and images of Brazil. Next, we will look at the translated text in order to perceive differences that reiterate or weaken the networks of significance of the original work. Finally, it will be pointed out some consequences arising from the differences that we found.