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Part of
Field Research on Translation and Interpreting
Edited by Regina Rogl, Daniela Schlager and Hanna Risku
[Benjamins Translation Library 165] 2025
► pp. 278–296

Chapter 12
Field research on reading translated fiction

Methodological considerations and challenges

 | Bahçeşehir University
Fieldwork has been used by translation and interpreting studies (TIS) scholars in a variety of settings. Studies employing this methodology have focused on the agents, processes and contexts of production, paying relatively less attention to the users of translation. This chapter highlights the relevance of fieldwork to study the reading of translated literature. It discusses the benefits of this methodology for rigorous and reflexive research as well as the challenges, ethical considerations, and limitations involved. The chapter addresses ethical issues and considerations related to the visibility and positionality of the researcher, followed by logistical and pragmatic difficulties of reader research. It also covers a discussion of online research with readers. Potential pitfalls are identified and future directions are outlined.
Keywords: readers, reading, book clubs, fiction in translation, researcher positionality
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methodology
  • 3.Theoretical framework
  • 4.Methodological and ethical considerations
  • 5.Methodological challenges and practical issues
  • 6.A ‘netnography’ of reading
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
References (77)
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