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Article published In: Target
Vol. 37:1 (2025) ► pp.55–84

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Academic translators of humanities and social sciences texts

An exploratory survey of their profile and translation activity

ORCiD logo with link | Xi’an International Studies University
Published online: 11 March 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.23042.li
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed burgeoning research on the sociology of translators. So far, academic translators of humanities and social sciences (HSS) texts have not received much attention. This exploratory study aims to describe their profile and document their views on their translation activity. A convenience sample of academic translators of HSS texts were invited to participate in an online survey. The results provide evidence of the shared and unique attributes of this little-known group of translators in terms of their gender, working languages, levels of education, areas of disciplinary knowledge, years of professional experience, employment types, qualifications in translation training, and publishing experience as authors. It challenges some assumptions regarding HSS translation, in terms of means of acquiring translation assignments, translation directions, domains of translation, collaboration with other agents, quality management measures, misconceptions of translation, and satisfaction with remuneration.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Academic translation of HSS texts: Translators and their translation activity
  • 3.Methodology
  • 4.Results and discussion
    • 4.1Profile
    • 4.2Activity
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
References (65)
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