Daniel Simeoni on sociocultural approaches to translation, 2005

TL;DR

There is no established field of translators, but there is a field of translation studies that examines translation as a social practice.

Transcript

uh the first observation then will be that currently uh in my opinion there are no fields of translators or of translation proper while there is an international field of translation studies more on this later let me explain why uh I hold this view which I know has been criticized and uh many people disagree with uh with this but uh I seize the opp... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏑 The study of translations as a field is more developed than the field of translators itself.
• 🖐️ Translators play a secondary role in the publishing industry compared to major agents and publishing houses.
• 🌍 National borders and publishing policies impact the autonomy and recognition of translators.
• 👻 Translators and translations are best understood within the context of their host societies.
• 🏑 The field of translation studies has gained interest and recognition within various disciplines.
• 👨‍🔬 Translation has emerged as a potential solution to the limitations of national-based concepts in academic research.
• ♻️ Historical and nationalistic environments have influenced the development of disciplines like linguistics and sociology.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is there no established field of translators?

According to the speaker, the field of translation studies exists, but there is no designated field of translators because translators play a secondary role in the struggle for dominance in publishing. Their impact is more pronounced in identifying potential candidates for translation and pushing for publication in other capacities, such as literary critics or editorial staff.

Q: How are translators positioned on the national map?

Translators are difficult to position on a national map due to a lack of statistics and conscious competition among themselves. The few attempts made to draw maps of active translators have not been conclusive, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data. Translators often cooperate by subcontracting rather than opposing each other in the publishing marketplace.

Q: What is the role of translations in the field of publishing?

Translations are located within the relevant field of publishing, under the authority of those who commission and determine their publication. Once authorized or circumstances allow for publication, translations function like any other publication within their new home base. The study of translations shows that they are best understood as functioning within their host societies or fields thereof.

Q: Why are translators and translations more complex to study compared to authors and publishing?

The complexity of studying translators and translations may be due to the lack of control and influence they have over the publishing process. Unlike authors or publishers, translators have limited autonomy in the decision-making process and are subject to the sophisticated but often unwritten rules of the publishing industry. Additionally, the international nature of translations further complicates their study.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translators play a secondary role in the struggle for dominance in the field of publishing, with major agents and publishing houses being the primary players.

• Translators are difficult to position on a national map due to a lack of statistics and conscious competition among themselves.

• The field of translation is heteronomous and governed by the principles of the national publishing industry, which can further limit translators' control and recognition.