ABSTRACT

The paradox that exists in humour translation studies (HTS) is that while few dispute its importance and its complexity, there is a woeful lack of awareness and research in this area. A popular metaphor in Translation Studies is invisibility, at various levels within translation practice and theory (e.g. the translator’s invisibility, hidden agendas, degrees of manipulation). Thus, we are forced to ask the question of why HTS is still in the shadows given its academic importance as well as its much greater visibility (and enjoyment) in actual texts and their translations. As argued elsewhere (Zabalbeascoa 2005), part of the answer lies in the problems and shortcomings of Translation Studies and Humour Studies, despite the social, cultural, communicative and historical importance of both humour and translating practices.