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

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Chapter 12
Field research on reading translated fiction

Methodological considerations and challenges

 | Bahçeşehir University
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Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) 4.0 license.

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Published online: 15 May 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.165.12tek
Abstract
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.
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
References (77)
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