Kobus Marais (translation scholar) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Translation studies in Africa aims to address the research agenda and challenges of the region in promoting indigenous languages and understanding the role of translation in social structures.

Key Insights

• 🇺🇸 The University of Free State offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs in language practice, including translation.
• 💦 Translation work involves contracting accredited translators in various languages, including both South African and foreign languages.
• 👨‍🔬 The department aims to promote research that focuses on the historical, social, and political context of translation in Africa, as well as understanding translation's role in social structures.
• 👨‍🏫 The annual summer school and dedicated journal are efforts to institutionalize and further develop translation studies in Africa.
• 😀 Indigenous languages in Africa face challenges in terms of their status and development, with English dominating as the dominant language in practice.
• 🖐️ Translation plays a crucial role in making information and services accessible to individuals and communities in Africa.
• 👨‍🔬 Research topics in translation studies in Africa can include historical communication, comparative linguistics, and understanding translation in the informal economy.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What languages are involved in the translation program at the University of Free State?

The program works with all South African languages, and occasionally includes languages like Persian and French depending on the student's project or research.

Q: What is the goal of the summer school organized by the department?

The summer school aims to bring together translation scholars from Africa to discuss the research agenda and contextual demands of translation studies in the region, considering both local and global issues.

Q: What is the role of translation in African social structures?

Translation helps make information and services accessible to individuals, allowing them to participate in social structures such as banking, taxation, and municipal services. However, English still dominates as the dominant language in practice.

Q: What kind of translational research would be beneficial in Africa?

Research on historical communication between different linguistic communities and the translation differences between African languages and English would be valuable. Additionally, studying the informal economy and how translation contributes to community survival and development is important.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The University of Free State in Bloemfontein offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in language practice, including translation, interpreting, document design, editing, and more.

• The department works with accredited translators to assist with translation work in various languages, including South African languages and even Persian and French.

• The department aims to promote research that focuses on the historical, geographical, political, and social context of translation in Africa and institutionalize these ideas through the annual summer school and a dedicated journal.