La palabra escrita, la palabra hablada y la palabra traducida en los museos del triángulo del arte de MadridThe written word, the spoken word, and the translated word in Madrid’s art triangle museums

Abstract

Museums depend on language to develop their museum discourse. Texts are necessary and cover a wide range of functions. Language can be presented in oral or written form, but in both cases, translation is essential to complete the communicative function of the museum. The translated word is intended for a foreign audience, and the translation must consider the subordination of the source text to the works on display, and its position in the hierarchy of the museum's other texts. In the museums of Madrid's art triangle, the written word, the spoken word, and the translated word are present; all three museums follow an appropriate strategy in terms of the translation of the texts that they produce. Through a detailed analysis of the audio guides offered in these museums of Madrid, chosen as an example of oral text, and the catalogues of temporary exhibitions, chosen as an example of written text, we conclude that orality or writing can influence certain translatology aspects, such as the choice of target language(s) or the authorship of translations.

Keywords

• museum discourse; oral and written museum texts; exhibition; subordinate translation; art museums.