Communicating Across Cultures

Professor Valero-Garcés and her team have been committed to the international development of interpreting in the public services since 1997. In this book she invites the reader to reflect, with clarity and integrity, on the practicalities of this pivotal element for the functioning of this century’s multi-lingual social reality – which too many are trying very hard not to think about at all. -- Ann Corsellis, vice president, Chartered Institute of Linguists, UK
I have read through the chapters of Professor Valero-Garcés’ book with pleasure, both as a practitioner and as a trainer. This book addresses a long-standing need for a practical manual of Public Service Interpreting and Translation, both for those in the field and for those of us engaged in preparing practitioners for the field. The well-structured chapters cover in a concise and accessible manner topics of key interest, with a balanced mix of theory and practice activities. I, for one, will be using it in my teaching. -- Brooke Townsley, MA, senior lecturer of public service interpreting and translation, Middlesex University
As a result of globalisation we see an ever-growing movement of people. They may be on holiday in the foreign country, studying, working or migrating to a new future. Consequently, provisions are needed to ensure communication between people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in all modern societies. This study on translation and interpreting in public services is therefore a most welcome and relevant contribution. It is based on highly esteemed theoretical research as well as on the wide practical experience gained in training at the University of Alcalá and by the FITISPos group in Spain. This book will be of interest and use to all involved in translation and interpreting, intercultural mediation and interlinguistic communication in public services. -- Erik Hertog, Lessius University College, Antwerp
Carmen Valero-Garcés has made a practical and useful contribution to research as well as training in Public Service Interpreting and Translation. She introduces fundamental concepts in PSIT such as interlinguistic communication and cultural relevance, and reviews the current situation in a very didactic, clearly explained, critical and thought-provoking manner. This book could be used for an introductory course as well as for independent study. -- Carmen Pena Díaz, professor of translation studies, University of Alcalá
This book will be a good resource for those interested in learning about PSIT; it can be used a textbook and also for self-studying. Carmen Valero provides much practical, useful information, covering a wide range of countries and languages that will be welcome by those first approaching this area. In addition to placing PSIT within the wider field of translation and interpreting, the books reviews the origins of PSIT and its historical development in various countries, contextualizing it within its social, political and economic setting; it also cover ethics, methodology and basic principles and definitions. The issue of minority rights and equal access, often overlooked in translation textbooks, is also discussed. Perhaps the most useful and innovative contribution is the wealth of activities, exercises, commentaries and situations that are included. Entertaining and extremely useful, the commentaries and situations ground the discussion and help the student relate it to everyday life, but more importantly, help the reader understand the pragmatic, communicative and cross-cultural basis of PSIT in very concrete terms. -- Sonia Colina, PhD, professor of Spanish and Portuguese, University of Arizona
This book is the expert linguist companion. It’s the interlinguistic and intercultural communication guide for professional interpreters, translators and even seasoned trainers. I’m recommending this book to all our colleagues and students to witness the birth and development of our field. Professor Valero uses her authority to portrait the foundations that will support the standardization of our profession. -- Denis Socarrás-Estrada, PhD Candidate, interpreter trainer, University of Alcalá
Prof. Carmen Valero is a national and international reference when it comes to Translation and Interpretation in Public Services. This book is one of the few that addresses the issue from a great variety of theoretical angles whilst offering practical activities for teachers and trainee translators and interpreters. The Spanish version of this book is a classic in Translation and Interpretation libraries throughout Spain and I am sure that the English version will be equally successful! -- Maribel del Pozo Triviño, PhD, lecturer at the University of Vigo
We are delighted to recommend the book Communicating Across Cultures: A Coursebook on Interpreting and Translating in Public Services and Institutions by Dr. Carmen Valero-Garcés, and to write these lines on its behalf. Dr. Valero is a leading and pioneer scholar in public services translation and interpreting in Spain. Her publications on this topic are a reference, as well as the specialized master she coordinates. This book, Communicating Across Cultures: A Coursebook on Interpreting and Translating in Public Services and Institutions is extensively used in training programmes, and its publication in English is undoubtedly a step forward. -- Francisco Raga and Dora Sales, senior lecturers, coordinators of course on intercultural mediation and interpreting in healthcare contexts, Jaume I University, Castellón