Notes on the Sociology of Translators, Part 1

TL;DR

Translation studies have shifted from focusing on the text to examining the translators themselves, leading to questions about their identity and the formation of a professional interculture.

Transcript

there's been um a tendency in the past decade to move away from problems of what's in the text and what translators do in their translations towards questions of who the translators are and in fact the the term translation studies uh it's been proposed that we should open a new field called translator studies studies of who the translators are this... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Translation studies have shifted towards examining the sociological and philosophical aspects of translators' identities.
• ❓ The study of human interests and social dynamics has become crucial in understanding the nature of translation.
• ☄️ Translators who come from hybrid cultural backgrounds may have a unique perspective and understanding of the complexities of translation.
• ❓ Mistrust towards translators can arise due to their extensive knowledge of different cultures and languages.
• ❓ Training institutions for translators have been established to promote trust and autonomy in translation.
• 🖐️ The act of translation itself defines the border between cultures and plays a significant role in knowledge transfer.
• ✊ The power dynamics between cultures and institutions can affect the practice and perception of translation.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why has there been a shift from studying the text in translation studies to focusing on the translators themselves?

The shift is part of a broader trend within the humanities to prioritize the study of human interests and social groups. This move challenges the absolutist nature of the text and emphasizes the role of translators as individuals.

Q: Are translators mistrusted in their profession?

Translators can be mistrusted due to their extensive knowledge of both cultures and the potential for them to be influenced by the "foreign" culture. This mistrust can arise at different points in a translator's career.

Q: How are translators trained in most societies?

Most societies have established training institutions for translators in the past two decades. This is done to ensure that translations can be produced by individuals from within one's own culture, leading to greater trust in their work.

Q: What is the role of mixed cultural backgrounds in translation?

Translators from hybrid cultural backgrounds, who have knowledge of multiple languages and cultures, may be especially valuable in facilitating communication and understanding between different cultures.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The field of translation studies has moved away from analyzing the text and towards studying the translators themselves.

• There is a debate between sociology and philosophy regarding the influence of social groups on individuals' ideas and beliefs.

• Translators who come from a hybrid cultural background may play a crucial role in mediating between different cultures.