when translation becomes teleportation

In "Xenopoem," translation is not merely about converting text from one language to another; it represents a radical shift in spatial and temporal perception. Philosopher Paul Ricoeur’s concept of translation as an act of "creative interpretation" aligns with this view. Ricoeur argues that translation involves not just linguistic transformation but also a re-creation of meaning within new contexts. Xenopoetics amplifies this idea by using fragmented and algorithmic language to create a virtual space where traditional linguistic boundaries dissolve. The digital medium allows for an experience where "translation" functions as a form of teleportation—moving concepts and ideas across different realms of understanding and perception. The post-Internet world, characterized by the omnipresence of digital technology, offers a unique backdrop for this discussion. Digital literature, as explored by theorists like N. Katherine Hayles, emphasizes the interplay between human cognition and computational processes. Hayles suggests that digital texts often "reconfigure the boundaries of what counts as a text" and challenge traditional literary forms. Xenopoetics engages with this reconfiguration by employing non-linear narratives and digital aesthetics that defy conventional translation methods. This approach reflects Hayles's assertion that the digital environment transforms how texts are experienced and understood, effectively making translation a form of instantaneous, spatial relocation. This exemplifies a shift towards "xenopoem," where the alienation and deconstruction of language create a new mode of poetic expression. According to literary scholar Johanna Drucker, "xenopoem" disrupts the familiar linguistic structures and invites readers to engage with text in a radically new way. This aligns with methodology of xenopoetics, which involves disassembling and reassembling language to produce a hypertextual experience. The result is a form of literary teleportation where readers are transported not only across linguistic boundaries but also into novel, speculative realms of thought. The philosophical implications of treating translation as teleportation extend beyond literary theory into broader discussions about the nature of reality and perception. As philosopher Gilles Deleuze posits, new media and digital technologies challenge traditional notions of space and time. Translation as teleportation reflects a Deleuzian fluidity where boundaries between languages, cultures, and experiences are continually shifting. This perspective invites readers to reconsider how digital technologies mediate our interaction with texts and how they influence our understanding of reality.