David Katan
2020
Katan, David
Cultural Approaches to Translation Journal Article
In: pp. 1-9, 2020.
@article{Katan2020,
title = {Cultural Approaches to Translation},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0293.pub2},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-12-22},
pages = {1-9},
abstract = {This entry discusses how culture impinges on the reading and the understanding of texts. It investigates the idea that culture is a manifestation of difference, and proposes four approaches for the translator, expanding on Schleiermacher's classic idea of translation as leaving the writer in peace by moving the reader to the writer or vice versa. The characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of each approach are illustrated. The first suggestion is “translating from cultures.” This is an anthropological approach overtly framing the text within its context through thick translation. The second main approach, “translating for cultures,” closely follows Schleiermacher. The approach is divided into two parts, depending on whether the translator wishes to highlight or reduce the difference. Highlighting difference is favored by cultural studies scholars to protect vulnerable groups and difference itself; while reducing difference, favored by linguists, aims to reduce barriers to the text. The final approach, “translating between cultures,” is an intercultural approach, which accepts that the reader's “cultural filter” will always distort and otherwise affect reading of the translation. In all cases, it is necessary to construct the model or ideal reader, as it is through imagining the reader that the most appropriate approach can be ascertained.},
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This entry discusses how culture impinges on the reading and the understanding of texts. It investigates the idea that culture is a manifestation of difference, and proposes four approaches for the translator, expanding on Schleiermacher's classic idea of translation as leaving the writer in peace by moving the reader to the writer or vice versa. The characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of each approach are illustrated. The first suggestion is “translating from cultures.” This is an anthropological approach overtly framing the text within its context through thick translation. The second main approach, “translating for cultures,” closely follows Schleiermacher. The approach is divided into two parts, depending on whether the translator wishes to highlight or reduce the difference. Highlighting difference is favored by cultural studies scholars to protect vulnerable groups and difference itself; while reducing difference, favored by linguists, aims to reduce barriers to the text. The final approach, “translating between cultures,” is an intercultural approach, which accepts that the reader's “cultural filter” will always distort and otherwise affect reading of the translation. In all cases, it is necessary to construct the model or ideal reader, as it is through imagining the reader that the most appropriate approach can be ascertained.
2019
Katan, David
In Defence of the Cultural Other: Foreignisation or Mindful Essentialism? Book Chapter
In: pp. 119-142, Springer, Cham, 2019, ISBN: 978-3-030-04977-5.
@inbook{Katan2019,
title = {In Defence of the Cultural Other: Foreignisation or Mindful Essentialism?},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-04978-2_8},
isbn = {978-3-030-04977-5},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-06},
pages = {119-142},
publisher = {Springer, Cham},
abstract = {This paper looks at the mediation of difference in translation and how this can affect tolerance and relations with the intercultural other. It begins with a discussion of the ideas regarding ‘difference’ and intercultural tolerance, taking account of the ideal or model reader’s point of view. Translation has often been seen as the key to bridging cultures and to the spreading of ideas and understanding. Yet, at the same time it has also been perceived as fostering violence, as a barrier to integration and also as a means of increasing the hegemonic power of ruling powers (such as Western capitalism). It will be argued here that it is not the type of translation itself that automatically improves or reduces ethnocentricism, but whether it is carried out mindfully or mindlessly; and it will be suggested that mindful essentialism is the key to an effective translation.},
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This paper looks at the mediation of difference in translation and how this can affect tolerance and relations with the intercultural other. It begins with a discussion of the ideas regarding ‘difference’ and intercultural tolerance, taking account of the ideal or model reader’s point of view. Translation has often been seen as the key to bridging cultures and to the spreading of ideas and understanding. Yet, at the same time it has also been perceived as fostering violence, as a barrier to integration and also as a means of increasing the hegemonic power of ruling powers (such as Western capitalism). It will be argued here that it is not the type of translation itself that automatically improves or reduces ethnocentricism, but whether it is carried out mindfully or mindlessly; and it will be suggested that mindful essentialism is the key to an effective translation.
2018
Katan, David
“Free free...set them free”: What deconstraining subtitles can do for AVT Book Chapter
In: pp. 61 - 84, 2018.
@inbook{Katan2018,
title = {“Free free...set them free”: What deconstraining subtitles can do for AVT},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.4324/9781315268552},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
pages = {61 - 84},
abstract = {This chapter begins by questioning the subtitler’s traditional role and the (f)utility of constraining audiovisual translation into a single semiotic mode, disjoined from the action of the film. Nornes (1999) was the first to suggest that the “time is right” for abusive subtitling. Since then, a number of scholars have discussed the use of pop-up glosses, in the main captioned verbal glosses, to be added to the subtitles. However, even though these ideas are no different from those used by fansubbers and by a number of film and TV directors, the subtitling profession is still extremely unwilling to take these ideas on board. Indeed, it is the “control of the industry [that] keeps a firm lid on the potential spread of innovative subtitling” (Pérez-González 2012: 13). In this particular experiment, a short UK comedy TV sketch was transcreated into Italian using speech bubbles, thought balloons and visual pop-up glosses with the aim of not only reproducing the comedic effect but also of allowing the target audience to access at least some of the culture-bound associations available to the source audience. In particular, the experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that the use of thought balloons will actually help the viewer access the speaker’s culture-bound model of the world.},
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This chapter begins by questioning the subtitler’s traditional role and the (f)utility of constraining audiovisual translation into a single semiotic mode, disjoined from the action of the film. Nornes (1999) was the first to suggest that the “time is right” for abusive subtitling. Since then, a number of scholars have discussed the use of pop-up glosses, in the main captioned verbal glosses, to be added to the subtitles. However, even though these ideas are no different from those used by fansubbers and by a number of film and TV directors, the subtitling profession is still extremely unwilling to take these ideas on board. Indeed, it is the “control of the industry [that] keeps a firm lid on the potential spread of innovative subtitling” (Pérez-González 2012: 13). In this particular experiment, a short UK comedy TV sketch was transcreated into Italian using speech bubbles, thought balloons and visual pop-up glosses with the aim of not only reproducing the comedic effect but also of allowing the target audience to access at least some of the culture-bound associations available to the source audience. In particular, the experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that the use of thought balloons will actually help the viewer access the speaker’s culture-bound model of the world.
2017
Katan, David
Translation Theory and Professional Practice: A Global Survey of the Great Divide Journal Article
In: Hermes – Journal of Language and Communication Studies, pp. 42-2009, 2017.
@article{Katan2017,
title = {Translation Theory and Professional Practice: A Global Survey of the Great Divide},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.7146/hjlcb.v22i42.96849},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-08-30},
journal = {Hermes – Journal of Language and Communication Studies},
pages = {42-2009},
abstract = {This paper is the result of a global survey carried out this year to around 1000 translators and interpreters, the majority of whom had university training in the area. The object of the survey was to investigate the habitus of the translator and to compare it with the academic belief in functionalism and the empowerment of the translator either as a mediator or as a social agent. The replies indicated strong responsibility towards the original text, and very little towards the reader or the wider community. Also, while the scholars appear to be convinced that their theories support the professional translator, in practice it would seem that university trained translators (and interpreters) rate theory very low on their list of ideal university training. Literature regarding the term "profession" is discussed as is what distinguishes an occupation from a profession. Classic trait theory suggests that a profession requires a number of minimum requisites, such as a well-grounded school of theory, infl uential professional bodies and professional exams. The 'professional' translators and interpreters were asked to explain in their own words what makes translating a profession. They also replied to questions on status. As a result of the replies it was possible to identify a large homogeneous yet scattered cottage industry. Their 'professionality' lies in their individually honed competencies in the fi eld. They are dedicated and mainly satisfi ed wordsmiths, who take pride in their job. They decry "the cowboys" (from secretaries to students) while realising the seriousness of the competition due mainly to the very low status accredited to translators worldwide. Interpreters, on the other hand, saw themselves – and were seen by translators – as having a relatively high professional autonomy. Interestingly, relatively few of the respondents had only one "main role". Gender is seen here as an important factor in this grouping Finally, as a result of the replies, it is asked whether we (academics/translation trainers) are providing the theory and the training that will encourage the development of the profession – if indeed it can be defi ned as one.},
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This paper is the result of a global survey carried out this year to around 1000 translators and interpreters, the majority of whom had university training in the area. The object of the survey was to investigate the habitus of the translator and to compare it with the academic belief in functionalism and the empowerment of the translator either as a mediator or as a social agent. The replies indicated strong responsibility towards the original text, and very little towards the reader or the wider community. Also, while the scholars appear to be convinced that their theories support the professional translator, in practice it would seem that university trained translators (and interpreters) rate theory very low on their list of ideal university training. Literature regarding the term "profession" is discussed as is what distinguishes an occupation from a profession. Classic trait theory suggests that a profession requires a number of minimum requisites, such as a well-grounded school of theory, infl uential professional bodies and professional exams. The 'professional' translators and interpreters were asked to explain in their own words what makes translating a profession. They also replied to questions on status. As a result of the replies it was possible to identify a large homogeneous yet scattered cottage industry. Their 'professionality' lies in their individually honed competencies in the fi eld. They are dedicated and mainly satisfi ed wordsmiths, who take pride in their job. They decry "the cowboys" (from secretaries to students) while realising the seriousness of the competition due mainly to the very low status accredited to translators worldwide. Interpreters, on the other hand, saw themselves – and were seen by translators – as having a relatively high professional autonomy. Interestingly, relatively few of the respondents had only one "main role". Gender is seen here as an important factor in this grouping Finally, as a result of the replies, it is asked whether we (academics/translation trainers) are providing the theory and the training that will encourage the development of the profession – if indeed it can be defi ned as one.
2016
Katan, David
Response by Katan to “Invariance Orientation: Identifying an Object for Translation Studies” Journal Article
In: Translation Studies, 10 (3), pp. 348-352, 2016.
@article{Katan2016,
title = {Response by Katan to “Invariance Orientation: Identifying an Object for Translation Studies”},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1080/14781700.2016.1234972},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-10-19},
journal = {Translation Studies},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {348-352},
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2015
Katan, David
Translating the “literary” in literary translation in practice Journal Article
In: Lingue e Linguaggi, 14 , 2015.
@article{Katan2015,
title = {Translating the “literary” in literary translation in practice},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1285/i22390359v14p7},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-01},
journal = {Lingue e Linguaggi},
volume = {14},
abstract = {Abstract - The aim of this paper is to explore the ‘literary’ in literary translation. It begins with a discussion of what makes a text literary, focussing on some very famous literary works which did not (and indeed do not) necessarily fit what is generally considered the literary canon. The features that translators should identify when first reading a text, on the look-out for potential literary value, are then outlined. These features are both textual (covering non-casual language, rhetorical features and equivalences) and contextual (connotations, implicatures, intratextual and culture-bound associations). The paper then discusses changing translation theory and practice, in particular illustrating points with comments made by translators and theorists in this book and elsewhere. Importance is also given to the profession itself, to literary translator beliefs about their role, the changing importance of the model reader and to changing beliefs about accepted style, making reference also to results of a global survey recently carried out on the subject. Riassunto -L’articolo si propone di esplorare il “letterario” nella traduzione letteraria. Si parte da una discussione di ciò che rende letterario un testo, facendo riferimento ad alcune opere letterarie molto famose che non rientravano (e non rientrano tuttora) in ciò che viene generalmente ritenuto il canone letterario. Si definiscono, poi, gli aspetti che i traduttori dovrebbero individuare leggendo un testo per la prima volta nella prospettiva di ricerca di un potenziale valore letterario. Tali aspetti sono sia testuali (il linguaggio ‘non casuale’, le figure retoriche e le equivalenze) sia contestuali (connotazioni, implicature, associazioni intratestuali e legate alla cultura). L’articolo discute, poi, l’evolversi della teoria e pratica della traduzione, illustrando in particolare alcuni punti commentati da traduttori e teorici di questo volume e al di fuori. Si sottolinea inoltre l’importanza della professione del traduttore e della percezione che il traduttore letterario ha del proprio ruolo, mettendo in evidenza come l’importanza del lettore modello e dei valori relativi a uno stile condiviso stia cambiando, facendo anche riferimento ai risultati di una recente intervista globale sull’argomento.},
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Abstract - The aim of this paper is to explore the ‘literary’ in literary translation. It begins with a discussion of what makes a text literary, focussing on some very famous literary works which did not (and indeed do not) necessarily fit what is generally considered the literary canon. The features that translators should identify when first reading a text, on the look-out for potential literary value, are then outlined. These features are both textual (covering non-casual language, rhetorical features and equivalences) and contextual (connotations, implicatures, intratextual and culture-bound associations). The paper then discusses changing translation theory and practice, in particular illustrating points with comments made by translators and theorists in this book and elsewhere. Importance is also given to the profession itself, to literary translator beliefs about their role, the changing importance of the model reader and to changing beliefs about accepted style, making reference also to results of a global survey recently carried out on the subject. Riassunto -L’articolo si propone di esplorare il “letterario” nella traduzione letteraria. Si parte da una discussione di ciò che rende letterario un testo, facendo riferimento ad alcune opere letterarie molto famose che non rientravano (e non rientrano tuttora) in ciò che viene generalmente ritenuto il canone letterario. Si definiscono, poi, gli aspetti che i traduttori dovrebbero individuare leggendo un testo per la prima volta nella prospettiva di ricerca di un potenziale valore letterario. Tali aspetti sono sia testuali (il linguaggio ‘non casuale’, le figure retoriche e le equivalenze) sia contestuali (connotazioni, implicature, associazioni intratestuali e legate alla cultura). L’articolo discute, poi, l’evolversi della teoria e pratica della traduzione, illustrando in particolare alcuni punti commentati da traduttori e teorici di questo volume e al di fuori. Si sottolinea inoltre l’importanza della professione del traduttore e della percezione che il traduttore letterario ha del proprio ruolo, mettendo in evidenza come l’importanza del lettore modello e dei valori relativi a uno stile condiviso stia cambiando, facendo anche riferimento ai risultati di una recente intervista globale sull’argomento.
Katan, David
Translation at the cross-roads: Time for the transcreational turn? Journal Article
In: Perspectives Studies in Translatology, 24 (3), pp. 1-16 , 2015.
@article{Katan2015b,
title = {Translation at the cross-roads: Time for the transcreational turn?},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1080/0907676X.2015.1016049},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-08-28},
journal = {Perspectives Studies in Translatology},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {1-16 },
abstract = {This paper focusses on the real problems involved in promoting the translator's role and status to that of intercultural mediator. Ever since the cultural turn in the 1980s, academics have been equating translation with intercultural mediation (IM) and translators as mediators. The paper first looks at how mediation has been understood in translation, and then investigates a number of issues regarding intervention, both at a theoretical and at a practical level. In theory, as a result of the cultural turn, there should be a more context-based understanding of communication, and hence a more intervenient role for the translator. At a practical level, however, normative roles follow a conduit theory of translation based on language transfer. While academia and the profession wrangle over IM, a number of other options are emerging to cater for the ever-increasing real need for translation and IM. This competition is potentially marginalizing translators and interpreters. It will be suggested that ‘transcreation’ may be a way forward, though optimism is tempered with the profession's own beliefs regarding intervention and towards change.},
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This paper focusses on the real problems involved in promoting the translator's role and status to that of intercultural mediator. Ever since the cultural turn in the 1980s, academics have been equating translation with intercultural mediation (IM) and translators as mediators. The paper first looks at how mediation has been understood in translation, and then investigates a number of issues regarding intervention, both at a theoretical and at a practical level. In theory, as a result of the cultural turn, there should be a more context-based understanding of communication, and hence a more intervenient role for the translator. At a practical level, however, normative roles follow a conduit theory of translation based on language transfer. While academia and the profession wrangle over IM, a number of other options are emerging to cater for the ever-increasing real need for translation and IM. This competition is potentially marginalizing translators and interpreters. It will be suggested that ‘transcreation’ may be a way forward, though optimism is tempered with the profession's own beliefs regarding intervention and towards change.
2014
Katan, David
Translating cultures: An introduction for translators, interpreters and mediators Book
Routledge, 2014, ISBN: 9781315759692.
@book{Katan2014,
title = {Translating cultures: An introduction for translators, interpreters and mediators},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.4324/9781315759692},
isbn = {9781315759692},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-06-03},
publisher = {Routledge},
abstract = {As the 21st century gets into stride so does the call for a discipline combining culture and translation. This second edition of Translating Cultures retains its original aim of putting some rigour and coherence into these fashionable words and lays the foundation for such a discipline. This edition has not only been thoroughly revised, but it has also been expanded. In particular, a new chapter has been added which focuses specifically on training translators for translational and intercultural competencies.},
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As the 21st century gets into stride so does the call for a discipline combining culture and translation. This second edition of Translating Cultures retains its original aim of putting some rigour and coherence into these fashionable words and lays the foundation for such a discipline. This edition has not only been thoroughly revised, but it has also been expanded. In particular, a new chapter has been added which focuses specifically on training translators for translational and intercultural competencies.
Katan, David
Translating Cultures: An Introduction for Translators, Interpreters and Mediators Book
Routledge, 2014, ISBN: 9781315759692.
@book{Katan2014b,
title = {Translating Cultures: An Introduction for Translators, Interpreters and Mediators},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.4324/9781315759692},
isbn = {9781315759692},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-06-03},
publisher = {Routledge},
abstract = {As the 21st century gets into stride so does the call for a discipline combining culture and translation. This second edition of Translating Cultures retains its original aim of putting some rigour and coherence into these fashionable words and lays the foundation for such a discipline. This edition has not only been thoroughly revised, but it has also been expanded. In particular, a new chapter has been added which focuses specifically on training translators for translational and intercultural competencies. The core of the book provides a model for teaching culture to translators, interpreters and other mediators. It introduces the reader to current understanding about culture and aims to raise awareness of the fundamental role of culture in constructing, perceiving and translating reality. Culture is perceived throughout as a system for orienting experience, and a basic presupposition is that the organization of experience is not 'reality', but rather a simplified model and a 'distortion' which varies from culture to culture. Each culture acts as a frame within which external signs or 'reality' are interpreted. The approach is interdisciplinary, taking ideas from contemporary translation theory, anthropology, Bateson's logical typing and metamessage theories, Bandler and Grinder's NLP meta-model theory, and Hallidayan functional grammar. Authentic texts and translations are offered to illustrate the various strategies that a cultural mediator can adopt in order to make the different cultural frames he or she is mediating between more explicit.},
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As the 21st century gets into stride so does the call for a discipline combining culture and translation. This second edition of Translating Cultures retains its original aim of putting some rigour and coherence into these fashionable words and lays the foundation for such a discipline. This edition has not only been thoroughly revised, but it has also been expanded. In particular, a new chapter has been added which focuses specifically on training translators for translational and intercultural competencies. The core of the book provides a model for teaching culture to translators, interpreters and other mediators. It introduces the reader to current understanding about culture and aims to raise awareness of the fundamental role of culture in constructing, perceiving and translating reality. Culture is perceived throughout as a system for orienting experience, and a basic presupposition is that the organization of experience is not 'reality', but rather a simplified model and a 'distortion' which varies from culture to culture. Each culture acts as a frame within which external signs or 'reality' are interpreted. The approach is interdisciplinary, taking ideas from contemporary translation theory, anthropology, Bateson's logical typing and metamessage theories, Bandler and Grinder's NLP meta-model theory, and Hallidayan functional grammar. Authentic texts and translations are offered to illustrate the various strategies that a cultural mediator can adopt in order to make the different cultural frames he or she is mediating between more explicit.
Katan, David; Straniero-Sergio, Francesco
Look Who’s Talking Journal Article
In: Translator, 7 (2), pp. 213-237, 2014.
@article{Katan2014bb,
title = {Look Who’s Talking},
author = {David Katan and Francesco Straniero-Sergio},
doi = {10.1080/13556509.2001.10799102},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-02-21},
journal = {Translator},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {213-237},
abstract = {The role of interpreters working on Italian television is undergoing change. The traditional role, that of an invisible black box, is being challenged by what we define as an ethics of entertainment. The three principal factors affecting this ethics are professional performing capacity, ‘the comfort factor’, and the context of culture. A corpus of 200 hours of Italian talk show interpreting is drawn on to illustrate the tension between the traditional norms of fidelity or invisibility and the needs of TV emotainment (visible involvement and performance). In analyzing the successful interpreter’s strategies and behaviour we suggest that a solution to this double bind lies in an expansion of the traditional role toward multivariate mediation encompassing varying perceptual positions and sensitivity to context.},
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The role of interpreters working on Italian television is undergoing change. The traditional role, that of an invisible black box, is being challenged by what we define as an ethics of entertainment. The three principal factors affecting this ethics are professional performing capacity, ‘the comfort factor’, and the context of culture. A corpus of 200 hours of Italian talk show interpreting is drawn on to illustrate the tension between the traditional norms of fidelity or invisibility and the needs of TV emotainment (visible involvement and performance). In analyzing the successful interpreter’s strategies and behaviour we suggest that a solution to this double bind lies in an expansion of the traditional role toward multivariate mediation encompassing varying perceptual positions and sensitivity to context.
2012
Katan, David
Cultural Approaches to Translation Book Chapter
In: 2012.
@inbook{Katan2012,
title = {Cultural Approaches to Translation},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0293},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-11-05},
abstract = {There are numerous cultural approaches to translation, given the numerous definitions of both “culture” and “translation.” We might say that both culture and translation revolve around difference. We notice culture as difference, and we require translation when difference significantly affects communication. The approaches may then be divided according to how difference between self and other should be managed in translation. In the first case, “translating from cultures,” differences should be explained. In the second, “translating for cultures,” differences should either be reduced (domestication) or highlighted (foreignization). The final approach, “translating between cultures,” gauges the likely tolerance for difference and attempts to mediate or reconcile differences, creating an interspace.},
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There are numerous cultural approaches to translation, given the numerous definitions of both “culture” and “translation.” We might say that both culture and translation revolve around difference. We notice culture as difference, and we require translation when difference significantly affects communication. The approaches may then be divided according to how difference between self and other should be managed in translation. In the first case, “translating from cultures,” differences should be explained. In the second, “translating for cultures,” differences should either be reduced (domestication) or highlighted (foreignization). The final approach, “translating between cultures,” gauges the likely tolerance for difference and attempts to mediate or reconcile differences, creating an interspace.
2009
Katan, David
Occupation or profession A survey of the translators' world Journal Article
In: Translation and Interpreting Studies, 4 (2), pp. 187-209, 2009.
@article{Katan2009b,
title = {Occupation or profession A survey of the translators' world},
author = {David Katan},
doi = {10.1075/tis.4.2.04kat},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-09-01},
journal = {Translation and Interpreting Studies},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {187-209},
abstract = {The main aim of this paper is to report on an online questionnaire which focused on translator and interpreter perception of their working world, their mindset or Weltanshauung , and the impact of Translation Studies and university training on that world. Questions, both closed and open-ended, addressed academic/professional training, present role(s) and attitudes and beliefs about ‘the profession’ itself. Nearly 1000 respondents replied to the questionnaire worldwide. Particular questions focused on how translation should be taught, the role and status of the profession (ideally and in practice), and on personal satisfaction. The results show that university training has had little impact, and that this group of respondents have relatively little interest in the university itself in comparison with lifelong learning, with most emphasis placed on practice and self-development. Members of the group feel themselves to be ‘professional’ due to their specialized knowledge and abilities. However, their professionalism is mainly limited to their responsibilities to the text itself, and there is relatively little interest in the wider context. They are acutely aware of the lack of public recognition, and both the interpreters and the translators agree that translators in particular suffer from a markedly lower social status. However, only a minority of the respondents feel the need to change the status quo and satisfy trait theory criteria regarding professional recognition, possibly because the vast majority of respondents are more than satisfied with their job. In conclusion, it appears that translation can still only be categorized as an occupation rather than as a profession, and it is suggested that a new role be created with its own university course to cater to the professional language provider.},
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The main aim of this paper is to report on an online questionnaire which focused on translator and interpreter perception of their working world, their mindset or Weltanshauung , and the impact of Translation Studies and university training on that world. Questions, both closed and open-ended, addressed academic/professional training, present role(s) and attitudes and beliefs about ‘the profession’ itself. Nearly 1000 respondents replied to the questionnaire worldwide. Particular questions focused on how translation should be taught, the role and status of the profession (ideally and in practice), and on personal satisfaction. The results show that university training has had little impact, and that this group of respondents have relatively little interest in the university itself in comparison with lifelong learning, with most emphasis placed on practice and self-development. Members of the group feel themselves to be ‘professional’ due to their specialized knowledge and abilities. However, their professionalism is mainly limited to their responsibilities to the text itself, and there is relatively little interest in the wider context. They are acutely aware of the lack of public recognition, and both the interpreters and the translators agree that translators in particular suffer from a markedly lower social status. However, only a minority of the respondents feel the need to change the status quo and satisfy trait theory criteria regarding professional recognition, possibly because the vast majority of respondents are more than satisfied with their job. In conclusion, it appears that translation can still only be categorized as an occupation rather than as a profession, and it is suggested that a new role be created with its own university course to cater to the professional language provider.
Katan, David
Translation as intercultural communication Journal Article
In: The Routledge companion to translation studies, pp. 88-106, 2009.
@article{Katan2009,
title = {Translation as intercultural communication},
author = {David Katan},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-13},
journal = {The Routledge companion to translation studies},
pages = {88-106},
abstract = {It was ET Hall (1959/1990) who coined the term ‘intercultural communication’(Rogers et al. 2002). In working with US departmental administrators andNativeAmericans, henoticed thatmisunderstandingarose not through language but through other,‘silent’,‘hidden’or ‘unconscious’ yet patterned factors. In short, cultural differences. Bennett (1998: 3) explains that the fundamental premise of ‘the intercultural communication approach’is that ‘cultures are different in their languages, behaviour patterns, and values. So an attempt to use [monocultural] self as a predictor of shared assumptions and responses to messages is unlikely to work’–because the response, in our case to a translation, will be ethnocentric.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
It was ET Hall (1959/1990) who coined the term ‘intercultural communication’(Rogers et al. 2002). In working with US departmental administrators andNativeAmericans, henoticed thatmisunderstandingarose not through language but through other,‘silent’,‘hidden’or ‘unconscious’ yet patterned factors. In short, cultural differences. Bennett (1998: 3) explains that the fundamental premise of ‘the intercultural communication approach’is that ‘cultures are different in their languages, behaviour patterns, and values. So an attempt to use [monocultural] self as a predictor of shared assumptions and responses to messages is unlikely to work’–because the response, in our case to a translation, will be ethnocentric.
2002
Katan, David
Mediating the Point of Refraction and Playing with the Perlocutionary Effect: a Translator's Choice? Journal Article
In: Critical Studies, pp. 177 - 195, 2002.
@article{Katan2002,
title = {Mediating the Point of Refraction and Playing with the Perlocutionary Effect: a Translator's Choice?},
author = {David Katan},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-09-01},
journal = {Critical Studies},
pages = {177 - 195},
abstract = {Translators have an extremely important responsibility in communicating ideas to society. Much of what we read, from Aesop and the Bible to Voltaire and Weil is (re-)created by an invisible and little respected writer, the translator. This paper explores two fundamental areas: the possible refractions and perlocutionary effects that can be engendered by a translator; and secondly, what possibilities a translator has given the traditional subservience to a habitus which values translator invisibility and fidelity to the source text. A proposal is made for the translator to take more responsibility for the potential perlocutionary effect through taking a third, disassociated perceptual cognitive position. From this position the various forces acting on the translator and the translation can be controlled through mediation focussed on the benefit to the reader.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Translators have an extremely important responsibility in communicating ideas to society. Much of what we read, from Aesop and the Bible to Voltaire and Weil is (re-)created by an invisible and little respected writer, the translator. This paper explores two fundamental areas: the possible refractions and perlocutionary effects that can be engendered by a translator; and secondly, what possibilities a translator has given the traditional subservience to a habitus which values translator invisibility and fidelity to the source text. A proposal is made for the translator to take more responsibility for the potential perlocutionary effect through taking a third, disassociated perceptual cognitive position. From this position the various forces acting on the translator and the translation can be controlled through mediation focussed on the benefit to the reader.
1997
Katan, David; Dodds, John
The interaction between research and training Book Chapter
In: pp. 89 pages, 1997.
@inbook{Katan1997,
title = {The interaction between research and training},
author = {David Katan and John Dodds},
doi = {10.1075/btl.23.06dod},
year = {1997},
date = {1997-01-01},
pages = {89 pages},
type = {inbook},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}