The Reception of Foreign Literature in the Netherlands and Flanders since 1700

The prestigious project on the *Geschiedenis van de Nederlandse literatuur* (History of Dutch Literature), a multi-volume history of Dutch-language literature in the Netherlands and Flanders initiated by the ‘Nederlandse Taalunie’, is nearing completion. The volumes published so far have been received very differently, but quite a few critics are disappointed by a lack of international context. Specifically, the Dutch reception of foreign literature, whether translated or not, plays only a minor role in the series.

At the Oldenburg conference, we will address the question of to what extent research into literary transfers needs to be integrated into the writing of literary history. Participants will present a case study from literary history. In preparing this case study, they are asked to reflect on the theoretical framework within which the case can be most fruitfully analysed. Traditionally, systems theory – and specifically Even-Zohar’s polysystem theory – has played a major role in this field of research. In recent years, these literary transfers have also been approached from a field theory perspective, with the focus—perhaps more so than in systems theory practice—on the function of institutions such as the publishing industry and bookshops, and on the role of translators and/or ‘gatekeepers’ . Do these approaches complement one another, or can they even be combined? Furthermore, what is the role of historical discourse analysis and, specifically, research into national stereotypes, as is common in imagology? And to what extent can empirical research contribute to the analysis of literary transfers?

The conference’s research focus – the reception of foreign literature within a specific literary system – is, by its very nature, internationally oriented. By combining a theoretical perspective with a case study, the findings will be relevant not only to Dutch studies in particular, but also to literary studies and literary historiography in general. This international character is also evident in the line-up of participants: there are papers by renowned researchers from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The range of disciplines represented by the participants is also interdisciplinary: in addition to Dutch Studies, German Studies, Romance Studies, English Studies, Scandinavian Studies, General Literary Studies, Translation Studies and Art History are represented.

The conference aims to provide a platform for reflecting on the scope and future of research into literary transfers. Ideally, the body of contributions will culminate in an alternative literary history, which, by means of an exemplary approach, will provide a picture of the reception of foreign literature in the Netherlands and Flanders.

This conference is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Those interested may attend after registering with the departmental secretariat (Tel: 0441 798-2346) or with PD Dr Jan Oosterholt (jan.oosterholt@uol.de). The conference will be held in Dutch.

Contact:
Carl von Ossietzky University
School III
Institute of Dutch Studies
Tel: 0441 798 2346
Email: sabina.pleye@uol.de