Translation is at the root of every language: A conversation with Silvana Rabinovich

Abstract

This interview with Silvana Rabinovich, a philosopher working at the crossroads of ethics, discourse analysis, decolonial thought and political theology, presents an overview of Rabinovich’s positions regarding the study of language and languages. It then proceeds to the philosophical problems of translating and observes the connections between translation and interreligious dialogue by looking at the case of Judeo-Arabic language. The conversation then moves on to explore Rabinovich’s idea, drawing on Levinas, of building a heteronomous relationship with language. In its closing part, the interview presents an apt comment on how academics might contribute to the solving of social problems.