8th Annual International Translation Conference

21st Century Demands: Translators and Interpreters towards Human and Social Responsibilities

27th – 28th March 2017

Call for papers

Rationale - For translation and interpreting to build capacity in contemporary society, especially in the Qatari society and other societies in the Arab world, it is necessary to highlight the important role that translators and interpreters have played in the past, their far-reaching and often unacknowledged impact in the present, and the crucial promise they hold for the future. The aim of this conference is to foreground the human and social impact of translation and to examine paths for the development and consolidation of the professions of interpreters and translators, as key strategic players in social development and in the establishment of a knowledge-based society.

A special focus will be placed on the contribution of translators and interpreters in enhancing human and social development in Qatar, the Gulf and the Arab countries at large, but reflection on other regions will be welcome.

Core themes to be addressed may include but are not restricted to the following:

- Historical perspectives: landmark translators/ interpreters and their achievements in history

• Translators as agents of literary development
• Translators as agents of scientific development
• The translator/ interpreter as narrator: political, economic and ethical roles
• Interpreters / translators and power: colonial / postcolonial settings, politics and education
• Interpreters in history
• Interpreters in conflict zones

- The translator and interpreter in the community

• The role of translators and interpreters in creating an inclusive society
• Community interpreters in healthcare and legal settings
• The institutionalization of the cultural interpreter
• Ethical issues and professional protocols
• Interpreters, translators and migration: institutional settings
• Translators and interpreters as strategic assets
• Translators and interpreters and activism

- Language policies: The translator/ interpreter as linguistic innovator

• Standardization and language policies
• Use and systematization of local varieties of language, including the role of translators and interpreters in enhancing competence in local dialect
• Tools for language variation, language training and education

- The enhanced translator: evolving roles for translators/ interpreters

• Technology as a challenge and opportunity
• Translation and terminology tools: CAT tools, interpreting technology, AVT technologies, terminological resources and databases, networking
• The translator/ interpreter as project manager: resources, tools, training, challenges
• The translator/ interpreter as language editor and linguistic resources manager

- Translator and interpreter education and training

• Program and syllabi development
• Translators’ and interpreters’ competences and competency
• Translators’ and interpreters’ engagement in educational processes
• Connecting translator and interpreter training and social development

Submission of Abstracts

Abstract submission for the 8th Annual International Translation Conference has now closed.

Papers accepted will be allocated 30 minutes in the program, which includes no more than 20 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for questions/discussion.

Accommodation and travel costs:

CHSS will sponsor speakers; this will include economy flight tickets, accommodation, and transportation to and from the conference only. CHSS will also apply for the speakers’ visas; however the approval is subject to the State’s regulations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Conference Organizing Committee at: transconf@qf.org.qa