Convergences and divergences between studies on translator training and interpreter training: Findings from a database of English journal articles

Jun Pan, Honghua Wang and Jackie Xiu Yan
Hong Kong Baptist University | Hang Seng Management College | City University of Hong Kong

Discussion on the convergences and divergences between Translation Studies (TS) and Interpreting Studies (IS) has taken place since the emergence of the latter. The unity and divide between translation and interpreting (T&I) activities are also strongly felt in the field of training. This study adopts a data-driven approach to examine research on translator and interpreter training. Based on an annotated database of T&I journal article entries, it shows the differences and similarities in research on translator training and interpreter training. Findings suggest that research on translator training and interpreter training share a thematic and methodological framework, but have different focuses on research themes and methods. The two sub-disciplines have different active authors, institutions and country/area rankings, linked by a small yet possibly growing number of cross-sub-disciplinary producers. These findings will shed much light on our knowledge of T&I activities and research.

Table of contents

The training of translators and interpreters has seen accelerated developments since the late 20th century (Kelly and Martin 2009; Pym 2009). Consequently, research on training has also witnessed advancement in number and depth (Gile 2004; Kelly and Way 2007; Kelly and Martin 2009; Yan, Pan and Wang 2015).

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