« The Translator at Work: Neutrality in Translation and Interpreting »

Translators and interpreters are expected to be neutral mediators who facilitate dialogue and enable understanding and cooperation between speakers who do not speak the same language. Research has shown, however, that the transfer of information from one language to another is rarely performed without making certain contributions that go beyond the mere rendition of the message being transferred. Translation is a product of cross-cultural interactions that requires linguistic and at times, sociopolitical or even ideological changes.

This panel concentrates on neutrality from the translator’s perspective: how can neutrality be maintained and to what extent? Neutrality in relation to whom or to what? What kinds of ‘actual’ rather than ‘expected’ relationships can be established between translator and author? Do interpreters approach “whispered interpretation” or chuchotage differently from in person interpretation ?

We welcome proposals (300-500 words) for conceptual, experimental, and theoretical work as they relate to neutrality in translation and interpretation. Themes include but are not limited to:

· Textbook translation

· Translation related to foreign language education

· Translation and interpretation of international public discourse

· Public service translation and interpretation

· Government language programs at all levels: federal, state, and local

· Specialized translation and interpretation

· Simultaneous, consecutive, or bilateral interpretation

· Sign language interpretation

· Translation and interpretation of Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL)

· Translation spaces and identities

· And more

Send your proposal directly to: amazuet@stanford.edu

Or submit your proposal online for the Special Session #19096: https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/Home/CFP

Submission deadline: April 30, 2024, or soon after.

Conference detailed information: https://www.pamla.org/pamla2024/