Brief review of translation activities in the soviet and post-colonial period and current problems of the georgian translation

Abstract

This study investigates the main tendencies of literary translation in Georgia during the Soviet and post-Soviet (post-colonial) periods. It highlights how Soviet authorities censored modernist literature to align with ideological principles and protect readers from “harmful” influences. The research explores the ideological and cultural mechanisms that shaped translation practices during the Soviet era. Grounded in translation studies and post-colonial theory, the study demonstrates how translation functioned both as a tool of ideological control and as a means of preserving literary heritage. It also examines contemporary challenges in Georgia’s translation landscape, including the absence of a national translation policy and the economic limitations of a small book market. Methodologically, the research relies on qualitative analysis of translated literary works and includes interviews with contemporary Georgian translators and publishers to assess current strategies and constraints. The findings reveal a shift from ideological control under Soviet rule to a more globally influenced literary translation system in the post-Soviet era. This underscores the resilience and adaptability of Georgia’s translation field and offers critical insights into the cultural and economic factors shaping its evolution. The study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive examination of Georgia’s translation history and current challenges. The study also proposes recommendations for developing a sustainable and ethically grounded translation ecosystem in post-Soviet Georgia.