Drawing from Wilson’s (1998) notion of consilience (or “unity of all knowledge”), Andrew Chesterman (2005) acknowledges the importance of interdisciplinary in Translations Studies (TS) and advocates the adoption of this approach “to cut across boundaries in the search of a deeper understanding of relations between texts, societies and cultures” (ibid. 25). Similarly, in the third edition of his book on TS, Jeremy Munday (2012: 296-299) reflects on the possibility of bringing translation theory and practice together by calling on the validity of the translation commentaries that students are usually asked to write so as to complete a degree at Master’s level. The commentary is a detailed discussion on the strategies and procedures students opt for when translating a source text of their choice (any language combination is allowed). They argument their translation choices in light of the theories they study during the Master’s course in TS and this helps them reflect on the relevance of theoretical thinking in everyday practice.
The majority of these dissertations usually remains stored in university libraries and rarely results in any sort of publication. Yet, they have a great potential and this collection of papers proposes to bring it to the forefront by bearing the following objectives in mind. Firstly, it can provide a valuable insight into these young professionals’ real-life practice, which is supported by means of a solid theoretical framework. Secondly, it can also help other scholars in TS better understand the translator’s decision making process. Thirdly, it can give young scholars in TS the opportunity to enter the academic arena and help them pave their way into research. Finally, it can offer future students in TS valuable guidelines regarding the procedure normally followed in completing a dissertation by commentary at Master’s level.
This Call for Papers is open to contributors who gained a distinction for their Master’s Dissertation, which were submitted after 2011. Contributors must show the ability to apply a research driven approach to their analysis, for instance by comparing their work with the official translation(s) of the text they worked on. If official translations are not available, contributors are strongly encouraged to compare their work with translations of texts produced in the same reference field.
Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contributions should be in English and they should not exceed 7500 words, including references
Proposed Book Sections:
The volume is conceived as to be divided into the following areas of application:
EXTENDED DEADLINE!
Literary Translation, including but not limited to:
Poetry, Fiction and Drama
EXTENDED DEADLINE!
Technical translation, including but not limited to:
Commercial, Legal, Scientific texts
Timeline
March 01st, 2015 – Abstracts (300 words);
March 30th, 2015 – Notification of acceptance;
1st September 2015 – Completed papers (up to 7500 words);
1st November 2015 – Feedback from editors/external readers;
1st December 2015 – Final manuscripts
February 2016 Publication of volume
References
Chesterman, A. (2005)‘Towards consilience?’, in K. Aijmer and C. Alvstad (eds.): 33-50.
Munday, J. (2012), Introducing Translation Studies, 3rd edition, London and New York: Routledge.
