Symbolic Ethnicity: A Non-Textual Translation Process

The translation process is commonly defined as a practice where meaning is transferred from one linguistic code to another. This poses difficulties as it excludes other meaning-making practices. By examining examples of symbolic ethnicity, I demonstrate that cultural phenomena can be considered a process of non-textual translation. To do this, I draw on Maria Tymoczkos notion of the cluster concept in order to explore the similarities and overlaps between translation and symbolic ethnicity. Furthermore, the images depicting ethnic symbols are examined using Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis in order to address the meaning connoted in the images that contribute to the representation of Italian-Canadians. Lastly, using the Constructionist Approach as understood by Stuart Hall, my research addresses how these symbols are recognizable as Italian-Canadian. My analysis of demonstrates that symbolic ethnicity is not only a form of representation but also a non-textual translation process.