Translating in Linguistically Diverse Societies
Translation policy in the United Kingdom
Author
This work is the first book-length treatment on translation policy. Nearly everywhere in the world, populations are multilingual and mobile; consequently, language policies developed by the authorities must include choices about the use or non-use of translation. This book recognizes that these choices (or the absence thereof) become policies of their own in terms of translation. It builds upon the work of scholars in the fields of translation studies and language planning and policy in order to develop a new theoretical perspective on translation policy. In essence, the book proposes that translation policy can be understood as the management, practice, and beliefs surrounding the use of translation. The book deals with these issues under European and international law and then explores such management, practice, and beliefs in the UK, as a case study. Ultimately, the reader can find a fuller appreciation of both the importance and complexity of translation policy.
[Benjamins Translation Library, 125] 2016. xiv, 289 pp.
Publishing status: Available
© John Benjamins
Table of Contents
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Acknowledgments | p. xi
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Acronyms used in this study | p. xii
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Preface | pp. xiii–xiv
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1. Some history between language and state: An introduction to a study on translation policy | pp. 1–10
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2. Translation anyone? A look at the debate on language rights | pp. 11–38
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3. Going about it: Method and rationale | pp. 39–56
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4. From the Geneva Conventions to the latest EU directives: State obligation to translate under international law | pp. 57–94
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5. A kingdom of English and many other languages as well: Linguistic background of the United Kingdom | pp. 95–118
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6. Broadly speaking: Legislation and policy that affect translation generally in the United Kingdom | pp. 119–140
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7. On the local front: Translation in government in the United Kingdom | pp. 141–170
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8. Health in any language: Translation in healthcare in the United Kingdom | pp. 171–196
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9. May it please the court: Translation in judicial settings in the United Kingdom | pp. 197–214
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10. So what does this all mean? A conclusion to a study on translation policy | pp. 215–250
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References
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Department for Communities and Local Government
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Department of Culture, Arts, and Leisure
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Appendixes | pp. 275–286
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Index | pp. 287–289
“This is a pioneering investigation into translation policy, the often overlooked branch of what James Holmes called Applied Translation Studies. With both legal and translation research expertise, González Núñez is ideally qualified to stake out the ground in this increasingly significant field. I predict that the book will become a classic reference.”
Andrew Chesterman, University of Helsinki
“This a highly original and thorough exploration of the role of translation in interactions between the citizen and the state. At once informative and provocative, it combines insights from translation studies, sociolinguistics, political philosophy, and legal scholarship. It traces translation policies from the international and European to the national and local levels, responding to the ethical call for a “more just system” when dealing with translation for minorities. González Núñez addresses issues of high political and societal relevance with a wealth of detailed information on how the highest abstract ideals flounder in local realities.”
Anthony Pym, Universitat Rovira i Virgili
“This is an original study of translation policy in the United Kingdom with implications that go beyond the borders of that country since it offers a fresh understanding of the intimate interplay between translation and human rights obligations. Impressively documented, its wide range from international law to local governance makes it an important reference for scholars and non-scholars alike.”
Fernand de Varennes, Université de Moncton
“This is the very first book to focus on translation policy as part of language policy. From an interdisciplinary viewpoint (combining law, political science, economics and translation studies), the author analyzes the role played by translation in the integration of linguistic minorities in the UK. The result is a groundbreaking book that offers key insights for scholars and policy makers alike and that opens promising avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration between Translation Studies and Language Policy and Planning.”
Reine Meylaerts, KU Leuven
“This volume is a valuable contribution in a field that is still largely unexplored: Translation Policy. The author examines with rigour a complex issue, in which Translation Studies intersect with Law, Economy, Politics and Language Policy. The wealth of sources used and the precision in the analysis of the case studies make this a fruitful book, which without doubt will inspire scholars in various areas and hopefully also many policymakers.”
Oscar Diaz Fouces, Universidade de Vigo
“In communication across languages, we can either converge on one language, or we can resort to translation. González Núñez’s book is the first comprehensive study of translation policy. He argues that translation plays a beneficial role for immigrant integration, and emphasizes its justification more generally. This is a groundbreaking work and essential reading for any student of language policy and translation.”
Helder de Schutter, KU Leuven
“Claims to be the first to be devoted to translation policy. That makes it indispensable for language libraries.”
Marjory A. Bancroft, in INTERSECT: A Newsletter about Interpreting, Language and Culture", September 30, 2016
“The book effectively addresses a significant gap in our understanding, acknowledged in the decision by the European Language Council to establish a working party on this very topic, which has begun the detailed work of cataloguing the diverse rights and policies in place across the continent. [...] Two very positive features of González Núñez’s contribution are: first, that it is likely to inspire similar research on other linguistically diverse societies, opening the way for new international comparative perspectives; and second, that it outlines critically the research approach he adopted, effectively providing a suitable toolkit for any such further studies.”
Joanna Drugan, University of East Anglia, in Target 31:1 (2019)
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This list is based on CrossRef data as of 14 may 2023. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.
Subjects
Linguistics
Translation & Interpreting Studies
Main BIC Subject
CFP: Translation & interpretation
Main BISAC Subject
LAN023000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Translating & Interpreting