| Abstract [eng] |
In the early 20th century, as an independent republic, Lithuania underwent a pivotal process of cultural crystallization. During the initial decade of independence (1918–1928) the country’s national policies strongly affected translation practices and the making of its literary system. In the late 80’s, Israeli scholar Itamar Even-Zohar proposed a conceptual model for analyzing such systems treating them as dynamic and complex unit of interconnected elements (repertoire, producer, institution, market, and product). All these elements are included in the editing of a periodical, and the product becomes a reflection of the literary system in which it was created. This master thesis discusses the role of editorial influence on translation in early interwar Lithuanian periodicals, focusing on the work of Kazys Aleksandras Puida, editor of “Krivulė” and “Gairės”. The central aim is to understand how editorial and publishing practices affected the shape and function of translation within the developing national literary system. The research employs both descriptive and inductive methods. Interwar Lithuania’s literary system is examined based on the model provided by Even-Zohar which is then applied to assess translation practices and criticism in the two journals edited by Kazys Puida. The study also follows Kazys Puida’s translation and publishing activity, paying close attention to the consistency between his editorial positions and practical implementations. Findings indicate that through “Krivulė” and “Gairės,” Kazys Puida established a significant platform for professional communication and critical dialogue. These journals marked an early effort to define translation standards and promote professional ethics. Much of this was articulated by Puida’s collaborators, particularly Vytautas Bičiūnas, whose critical reviews laid the groundwork for assessing translation quality and aesthetics opposing prevailing tendencies such as excessive adaptation, abridgment, and reliance on intermediary languages. This research emphasizes the importance of editor's role as an intellectual coordinator and a cultural intermediary. The thesis reveals how the existence of a professional network and critical reflection encouraged the professionalization of the field of translation and critical reflection in the field of literature. |
