How are translations really received? Anthony Pym

TL;DR

Translation studies need to focus more on understanding how translations are received, as this information is crucial for effectively communicating across languages and cultures and bringing about behavior change.

Transcript

i'm speaking here on behalf of translation studies as an academic discipline that is no longer in its infancy we've been growing very steadily since at least the mid-1980s and we continue to grow even in the age of machine translation which is neural and it's getting very good even the age of global language learning of english still translation gr... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Translation studies have made significant progress in understanding translation production, history, and technology, but there is a lack of knowledge about translation reception.
• 🫠 Assumptions about readers and translators can limit our understanding of the diverse ways in which translations are read and interpreted.
• 🤕 In an age of pandemics and climate emergencies, translation studies should focus on how translations can effectively communicate across languages and cultures to bring about behavior change.
• 👨‍🔬 Research methods such as interviews and analyzing reader feedback can provide valuable insights into translation reception.
• 🖐️ Trust plays a crucial role in the reception of translations, and translations that are trusted are more likely to have a positive impact.
• 💁 The reception of translations is a complex process influenced by factors such as familiarity, information overload, aesthetic appeal, and comprehension.
• 🖐️ Conversations and interactions between readers and translators play a significant role in understanding translation reception.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important to study how translations are received?

Studying translation reception is important because it helps us understand the effectiveness of translations in communicating across languages and cultures. This knowledge is crucial for promoting behavior change and addressing global issues like pandemics and climate emergencies.

Q: What assumptions are commonly made about translators and readers of translations?

Assumptions are often made about the expertise of translators and the reading habits of readers. This can include assumptions about the "popular reader" or the "domestic reader," which may not accurately represent the diverse ways in which translations are received and interpreted.

Q: How can understanding translation reception contribute to combating xenophobia and imperialism?

By studying how translations are received, we can identify ways in which translations can challenge cultural attitudes and promote understanding between different cultures. This understanding is crucial in combating xenophobia and imperialism and fostering positive change in the world.

Q: What research methods can be used to study translation reception?

Research methods such as interviews, focus groups, and analyzing reader feedback can provide valuable insights into how translations are received. These methods can help assess the impact and effectiveness of translations in communicating across cultures and bringing about behavior change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translation studies have made significant progress in understanding the production and history of translations, as well as the interface with technology and training institutions. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how translations are received by readers or interpreters.

• The assumption that readers or receivers of translations are a homogenous group with predictable reading tendencies is problematic. There is a need to test these assumptions and understand the diverse ways in which translations are read and interpreted.

• In an age of pandemics and climate emergencies, it is crucial to understand how translations can effectively communicate across languages and cultures to bring about behavior change. This goes beyond defending minor languages and involves changing cultural attitudes on a global level.