"The Black Legend": Module 7, Ep. 1 (History of Translation Stream)

Today we’re going to discuss a fascinating historical topic: “The Black Legend and Translation in the 17th and 18th Centuries.” Understanding the history of translation is essential for us as future translators and interpreters, as it provides valuable context for the challenges and responsibilities we face.

The term “The Black Legend” refers to a set of negative stereotypes about Spain and its colonies that emerged in 16th-century Europe. This phenomenon, fueled by the writings and art of Spain’s European rivals, portrayed the Spanish as cruel, greedy, and fanatical. The spread of these ideas was heavily reliant on the work of translators and interpreters, who played a crucial role in shaping the cross-cultural understanding of their time.

In this short episode, we’ll explore the origins and development of The Black Legend, highlighting the importance of translation in its dissemination. We’ll also examine the impact of The Black Legend on Spain and its colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, and how it influenced translation practices during that period.