Becoming a Translator

Begonia Rodriquez, Portsmouth, UK (uses as core and optional at u/g and p/g level with 100+ sts on each)

Packed full of information, this edition provides a comprehensive account of many aspects that will be useful to some translators or translator trainers. In particular, the suggested exercises could be adapted and adopted in the translation classroom by new trainers who have not got experience of teaching translation.

Asks to bring the content up to date with current professional and training translation practices.

Alejandra Carballo, Depart. of English and World Languages, Arkansas Tech University, USA
(core text for medical interpretation module, mixed level)

Positive, just wants more American examples.

Kobus Marais, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, SA (core book for 3rd yr u/gs)

Positive, several suggestions.

Tamara Mikolič Južnič, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (rec reading for 1st yr ug and 1st yr MA):

The text is very well written, the style is appropriate and accessible for students, the structure is very clear and repetitive, as well as circular, so that the inexperienced reader can find comfort in the form when dealing with contents that might go against their (naïve) expectations.
The topics are carefully selected and I believe that the selection of theories and authors presented is very appropriate for an introductory course. It gives the young reader a chance to familiarize themselves with the key figures in Translation Studies and it gives access to the most important works in the field, categorized in a very clear way. The discussion and exercise sections can be (mostly) easily adapted to local situations and used either in class or as home assignments, in groups or individually.

Clara Yu, Monash University, Oz (now a contributor) (uses with 1st and 2nd yr p/gs)

• • Comprehensive, coherent and logically organized.
  • The exercises, examples and further readings are all useful.
  • Easy to follow and read.
  • Useful for both the teachers and the students.0020

Readers mainly asked for the book to reflect the current climate for translators, which has of course changed so much over recent years, for more on technological issues mostly. Also requests for a multimodal approach throughout and examples from the global south. Doug is doing all this and more.

In this revised version, Robinson’s thought reflects the complexity of doing and studying translation even better than in previous editions. Linking phenomenology, cognitive science and semiotics, amongst others, with lived experience is what makes this a great textbook. It guides without imposing rules.

Kobus Marais, University of the Free State, South Africa

Robinson’s new and much revised volume is a thought-provoking and rich introduction to the theory and practice of translation. This edition brings the discussion up to the present, engaging with social media discussions and multimedia communication. The material for discussion and student follow-up is ideal for teaching purposes and should serve to spark conversations and challenge students across the globe.

Sandra L. Halverson, University of Agder, Norway

A timely overhaul in keeping with recent developments and the rapidly changing landscape of scholarship in translation studies. The book continues to be an invaluable contribution to translation pedagogy, theory and practice. A must have for scholars, students and practitioners alike.

Paul F. Bandia, Concordia University, Canada