Fan Translations is a timely contribution that redefines existing understanding of how translation shapes fandom in the Global South. Evans and Guo skillfully bridge fan, media, and translation studies, highlighting the creative, communal, and sometimes contested roles of fan translation. Their case studies illuminate how fans navigate barriers of language and access, making this book relevant for people interested in contemporary transnational and trans-linguistic circulations of popular culture and the transformative power of fandom.

Jamie J. Zhao, Assistant Professor in Media and Cultural Studies, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR

In Fan Translations, Jonathan Evans and Ting Guo study “nonprofessional subtitling” specifically as something produced by FANS, purely out of love for a TV show, movie, or song and a desire to make it available to a community that loves it without quite being able to understand the words. “Nonprofessional” is an abstract negation; “fans” is a celebration. And this book is a celebration of translators whose fandom is strong enough to create a whole new translation marketplace, where they are happy to be paid not in money but in access for their community.

Douglas Robinson, Professor of Translation Studies and Head of the Division of Intercultural Communication, Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen, PRC

Fan Translations offers a comprehensive examination of a vital aspect of contemporary media culture. Evans and Guo successfully demonstrate how translation studies can and should contribute to discussions in our transnational media market. The focus on Global South perspectives addresses a significant gap in existing scholarship, while their analysis of queer fan translation communities and emerging platforms reveals the evolving landscape of digital media consumption. By highlighting grassroots translation efforts, this work challenges prevailing notions of linguistic and cultural monopolies, revealing vibrant pockets of society where translations emerge as acts of collaboration and empathy rather than commercial enterprise.

David Orrego-Carmona, Reader in Translation Studies, University of Warwick, UK