Babel and the market. A World Literature Program vs. the market of translation

Abstract

What does it mean to assemble a list of works in translation and qualify them as World Literature? Our response to this question is based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data on the literature program developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The emergence of this NGO over the past century and its recognition as a body with legitimate authority over «international education» raises the question of autonomy with regard to pedagogic action on a world scale. Recent research on the market of translation will enable us to analyze power relations dissimulated by the act of selection and consider its practice.