Abstract

SELF-TRANSLATION: AN OVERVIEW • Since the last quarter of the twentieth century the phenomenon of self-translation has gained increasing interest, leading to the development of a separate branch of research called “Self-Translation Studies” (Simona Anselmi; Chiara Lusetti). The paper is an attempt to present a comprehensive overview of self-translation, from both the historical and theoretical point of view. The starting point for this article is an evocative statement by Andrea Ceccherelli that self-translation is «a little less of a translation and a little less of an original». Subsequently, the article discusses the key information on the phenomenon itself and on the related research discipline. It then outlines major studies, crucial problems and definitions, as well as necessary conditions and the main contexts of occurrence. Finally it illustrates a historical-geographical panorama of cases (examples) and draws further research perspectives and opportunities.