Exploring ties between Romani culture and the field of translation
Translation Romani has decided to maintain use of the word Romani in all language versions of this website, inclusively and in reference both to the language and people of all the diverse ethnic communities throughout the world, i.e. Roma, Sinti, Manuš, Calé, Romanichal, Kalé, and many others. Please read the important notes from our translators for explanations and other translations currently in use locally, nationally or regionally.
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Translating History -- on the Romani Front Line
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Translators have historically been the silent, often invisible, channels bridging the contact and transfer of knowledge and cultural expression. Their individual stories interweave within global histories of exploration, commerce, colonization and warfare, forging new identities in the narrations of local and global history.
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Contemporary perspectives on historical narration clearly reflect the importance of needing to include the voices and stories of those who have been marginalized or silenced by the official, dominant accounts of history. Who has spoken for whom when narrating Romani history?
Two events signal the earliest organized attempts at global Romani activism. In 1971, the Romani flag and anthem were adopted at the 1st World Romani Congress. In 1978, the International Romani Union, or IRU, was officially established at the 2nd World Romani Congress.
The terms Porrajmos and Samudaripen are used to designate the "Romani Holocaust". Between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Roma and Sinti perished, including at Auschwitz and Lety concentration camps. Historical records and survivor testimonials are giving voice to this "forgotten" genocide.