On the ethics of translators' interventions 1

TL;DR

This content discusses the importance of ethics in the translation and interpretation professions, emphasizing the need for trust and the issue of intervention.

Transcript

my thanks to the conveners and the organizers and to all of you for being here today a my apologies in advance for not having a great deal to bring to you that's new I've got nothing like this wonderful research that tells us what's happening in some areas of the profession that can give us some idea about why we need to be talking about this in th... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 The issue of ethics is central to the formation of a profession and its identity.
• 🥳 Trust is a fundamental requirement in translation and interpretation due to the third-party nature of the professions.
• 👨‍💻 The concept of intervention in translation can be complex, with a discrepancy between the official code of ethics and the actual practices of translators.
• 🖐️ Training institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future professionals and influencing the ethical practices of the translation profession.
• 😵 The specific nature of translation work involves handling cross-cultural communication and calls for a deep understanding of cultural nuances.
• ❓ The trustworthiness of translators is essential for effective communication and successful translation outcomes.
• ❓ The debate on intervention in translation highlights the tension between the normative ideology of neutrality and the practical realities of the translation process.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does ethics contribute to the identity of a profession?

Ethics play a crucial role in the formation of a profession by shaping its values, principles, and standards. It helps establish a sense of identity and sets the profession apart from others.

Q: Why is trust essential in translation and interpretation?

Trust is essential in these professions because one party involved in the communication process cannot control what the intermediary is doing. Trustworthiness acts as a signal that allows effective communication to take place.

Q: Does intervention go against the normative ideology of neutrality in translation?

Yes, the normative ideology of neutrality suggests that translators should not intervene in the text. However, in practice, translators often engage in interventions that can improve the text and facilitate understanding between parties.

Q: How does training influence the profession of translation?

Training institutions have a significant influence on the profession of translation. Through training, future professionals are taught not only practical skills but also the ethical considerations and principles that shape the profession.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker acknowledges that they do not have new research to present, but emphasizes the significance of ethics in the formation of professions and identity.

• They highlight the specificity of translators and interpreters, focusing on cross-cultural communication and the necessity of trust in their work.

• The speaker raises questions about intervention in translation and explores the discrepancy between the official code of ethics and the actual practices of translators.