In the last decades an increasing number of scholars have begun to question the scope and reach of translation theory, often taking as a starting point either the limitations in traditional Western conceptualizations of translation or the restrictions imposed by the very concept of "theory" as imagined and constructed through the lens of a Western academic practice. This panel invites papers that explore either alternative conceptualizations of translation or proposals for new visions of the role, function, scope, and meaning of "translation theory" itself. Such explorations may include incorporation of new metaphorical approaches to the description of translation, meditations on the nature of theory as a cross-cultural concept, projects that propose novel combinations or integrations of theory, practice, and analysis, or attempts to sound the depths of the problem itself. Some of the theorists whose work contributes to the articulation and theoretical underpinnings of this call are Rosemary Arrojo, Martha Cheung, Edwin Gentzler, Theo Hermans, Alexandra Lianeri, Sebnem Susam-Sarajeva, Gayatri Spivak, Harish Trivedi, and Maria Tymoczko. The topic is, however, clearly not limited either to papers that interact with the work of these scholars or to papers that deal with the speculative list of potential topics above. 300-word abstracts in English should be sent to Anna Strowe (astrowe@complit.umass.edu).

The Northeast MLA conference will be held in Boston March 21-24, 2013.