From matter to the word: the interrelation between anthropology and translation in the work of José María Arguedas

Abstract

J.M. Arguedas collected legends and myths from Inca culture and translated some of these texts for Spanish. Moreover, in his literary production inserted in various ways the information collected and resorted to some translation strategies in order to lead his reader with the knowledge of the worldview of a transculturated culture. I will verify some of his works and essays anthropological how that intersection occurs between anthropology, translation, oral and written literature as ways to approach the other's culture. The Peruvian author in his latest novel, El zorro de arriba y el zorro de abajo, says that when he found "tone of life" could "pass the word to the matter of things." This shows that the language used by Arguedas, is to translate the Indian legends or to write their literary texts, has an importance as a vehicle for expression of the worldview that emphasizes heterogeneous throughout his work culminating in the experience found in Chimbote.