The reception of foreign literature in the Netherlands and Flanders since 1700

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

At the Oldenburg conference, we will address the question of the extent to which research into literary transfers needs to be integrated into the historiography of literature. The participants will present a literary-historical case. In elaborating this case, they will be asked to reflect on the theoretical framework in which the case can most fruitfully be treated. Traditionally, systems theory, and specifically Even-Zohar's polysystems theory, has played a major role in this field of research. In recent years, these literary transfers have also been approached from a field-theoretical perspective, perhaps focussing more on the function of institutions such as the publishing industry, the bookshop and the role of translators and/or gatekeepers than in system-theoretical practice. Do these approaches complement each other 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 research field of the conference - the reception of foreign literature in a specific literary system - is by its nature international in orientation. By choosing to combine a theoretical perspective with a case, the results will not only be relevant for Dutch studies in particular, but also for literary studies and literary historiography in general. The international character also manifests itself in the field of participants: there are contributions from renowned researchers from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The range of disciplines represented by the participants also transcends borders: in addition to Dutch Studies, German Studies, Romance Studies, English Studies, Scandinavian Studies, General Literary Studies, Translation Studies and Art Studies are also represented.

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

This conference is funded by the German Research Foundation. Interested parties can participate by 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