On the ethics of translators' interventions

TL;DR

The discussion revolves around the ethical issues and interventions faced by translators and interpreters in cross-cultural communication.

Transcript

um all I have to offer you is a little bit of academic theorizing for which I apologize um the issue of Ethics has been mentioned three times by three speakers so far as as a key element of the formation of a profession a key element of identity in some respects an element that can exclude others from the profession in other respects an ideology th... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Ethics is a vital aspect of the translation profession, impacting its formation and exclusivity.
• 😌 The unique nature of translators and interpreters lies in their work in cross-cultural communication and the necessity of trust in their role.
• ❓ The concept of intervention in translation challenges the official ideology of neutrality, as translators often make creative decisions to improve the text and facilitate understanding.
• 😵 Ethical considerations must go beyond individual preferences and aim to create mutual benefits and cooperation in cross-cultural communication.
• 🧑‍🏭 Descriptive research alone cannot fully address the ethical dimension of translation, as ethics is a discourse that involves the intentions and aims of the actors involved.
• 🧑‍🏭 Cultural translation and its broad interpretation of translation as an act of mediation can provide valuable insights and expand the boundaries of translation studies.
• 🤔 The training of translators and interpreters should focus on critical thinking and the ability to navigate ethical dilemmas in various communication contexts.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the issue of ethics impact the formation of the translation profession?

Ethics plays a key role in shaping the identity of the translation profession and determining who can be part of it. It can exclude certain individuals based on ethical standards and values.

Q: What makes the work of translators and interpreters unique compared to other occupations?

Translators and interpreters work in cross-cultural communication, handling specific challenges and facilitating understanding between different cultures. They act as third-party intermediaries, requiring trust and confidentiality.

Q: Is intervention in translation considered ethical?

The debate around intervention in translation is complex. While official codes of ethics discourage intervention, translators often make creative and interpretive decisions that improve the text and enhance mutual understanding. The ethicality of intervention depends on the specific aims and consequences of the intervention.

Q: How does the concept of trust relate to the role of translators and interpreters?

Trust is essential in the work of translators and interpreters, as they act as intermediaries in communication. Parties involved in the interaction must trust the translator to accurately convey their messages and interpret their intentions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The issue of ethics in translation and interpreting is discussed, highlighting its role in shaping the profession's identity and excluding certain individuals from it.

• The unique nature of translators and interpreters lies in their work in cross-cultural communication and the necessity of trust in their role as intermediaries.

• The concept of intervention in translation is explored, acknowledging the tension between the official ideology of neutrality and the actual creative and interpretive actions taken by translators.