In support of enhanced translation research and training
The TIME (Translation research training: An integrated and intersectoral model for Europe) initiative targeted training, networking, joint research, awareness and advanced studies. Objectives included creating a network able to produce a new generation of doctoral graduates and establishing the foundations for academic/private sector joint PhD training and a joint doctoral degree. Partners worked to kick-start joint research training in translation studies through increased involvement of private/public institutions. They also took steps to raise industry awareness regarding the scope and relevance of translation research as well as awareness within academia of private/public institutions' needs. Training efforts were split across four sub-projects, the first of which centred on translation technologies. The knowledge generated regarding process and workflow and the usability translation tools can be used by all parties in the translation arena. These include translators and translation companies, translation-tool manufacturers, and translation customers and users. The second sub-project focused on multimedia and multimodal translation and strengthening links among academia, industry and society. Researchers investigated how viewers' communication/hearing background and the speed of subtitles affect reception of audiovisual information. Study results afford insights into differences among groups, with implications for deaf users and better ways to integrate visual and verbal sources of information. Research in the third sub-project covered translating for the minorities, particularly in relation to linguistic diversity and integration in Europe. Work in this area resulted in a thesis that fills a gap in our understanding of multicultural societies and led to an interdisciplinary study of the policies that regulate translation in these societies. This mapping exercise, particular to the United Kingdom, shows the uneven development of translation policies for different target groups. The fourth sub-project advanced knowledge on transformation through translation, with an emphasis on translation policies in political institutions and media representation of political discourse in Europe. A case study of Amnesty International highlights how different views and expectations about translation have resulted in different translation policies. The resulting thesis offers recommendations on how to improve translation services and training. Overall, project activities have provided insights that benefit private/public institutions, the translations market and other stakeholders, ultimately promoting and advancing linguistic diversity across Europe.
Keywords
Translation research, multimedia, translation tools, linguistic diversity, translation policies
