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In:Translation Studies between Disciplines and Practices
Edited by Luc van Doorslaer and Yves Gambier
[Benjamins Translation Library 174] 2026
► pp. 226–247

Chapter 12
Language industry and translation studies

A question of translation

 | Concordia University
 | SAP
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
The global language industry, of which translation is a critical part, is expanding and changing rapidly. Its complexity and dynamic diversity reveal a composite of actors and perspectives that include those of language service providers and vendors, language and translation technology developers, project managers, quality control experts, terminologists, translators, interpreters, revisers, posteditors, transcreators, localizers, and a wide range of specializations within these professional profiles. In this chapter, we bring perspectives of translation studies and the language industry into dialogue and attempt to disentangle their symbiotic relationships and mutual impacts on each other as translation activity undergoes transformation in the age of artificial intelligence. How have they defined and adapted to each other as they’ve evolved, both in concept and in practice? How do they respectively understand the role of translators and the purpose of translation and recognize its value as a product and/or service? Are there theoretical, conceptual, or methodological approaches from both that are potentially beneficial to each? With deep roots in antiquity, translation continues to be a fundamental anchor for flows of information and communication in today’s technologizing and globalizing world, and the language industry is transforming our understanding of translators and the practices and underlying concept of translation. A more constant, collaborative dialogue between the language industry and academic translation studies promises even more insights.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The language industry
  • 3.Translation studies
  • 4.Questions and commentary
    • 4.1How has TS understood and defined the LI and adapted as a consequence? How has the LI identified, understood, and defined “translation” and adapted as well?
    • 4.2How does the LI understand and define TS? How does TS understand and define studies of the LI?
    • 4.3How do the LI and TS each respectively understand the role of translators and the purpose of translation and its value as a product and/or service, especially since GenAI technologies were introduced?
    • 4.4Are there theoretical, conceptual, or methodological approaches from TS that have benefited, or which potentially could benefit the LI? Are there approaches from the LI that have benefited or could benefit TS?
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Author queries
  • Note
  • References
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