Soft power and translation in Spanish-speaking Latin America: comparative analysis of Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay’s translation support programs

Abstract

This study analyzes the function of translation support policies as instruments of soft power for Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, focusing on the translation programs of Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay. It addresses the challenges these countries face within the global translation system, characterized by linguistic hierarchies and geopolitical constraints. Through a sociological lens, the study provides a comparative analysis of the institutional structures, objectives, operational dynamics, and the volumes and destinations of the subsidies distributed by these programs, highlighting their impact on the international visibility of national literature. Additionally, by examining the editorial profiles and translation subsidies awarded to three independent publishers, this research posits a number of hypotheses regarding the relationship between translation programs and the modalities of circulation for non-central languages and countries within various linguistic markets. Consequently, this study lays a foundation for further comparative research on the translation policies of peripheral countries and their role in enhancing cultural diplomacy across different languages and regions.