Translation Ethics introduces the topic of ethics for students, researchers, and professional translators. Based on a successful course and written by an experienced instructor, the Introduction and nine core chapters offer an accessible examination of a wide range of interlocking topic areas, which combine to form a cohesive whole, guiding students through the key debates.
Built upon a theoretical background founded in philosophy and moral theory, it outlines the main contributions in the area and traces the development of thought on ethics from absolutism to relativism, or, from staunchly-argued textual viewpoints to current lines of thought placing the translator as agent and an active – even interventionary – mediator. The textbook then examines the place of ethical enquiry in the context of professional translation, critiquing provision such as codes of ethics. Each chapter includes key discussion points, suggested topics for essays, presentations, or in-class debates, and an array of contextualised examples and case studies. Additional resources, including videos, weblinks, online activities, and PowerPoint slide presentations on the Routledge Translation studies portal provide valuable extra pedagogical support.
This wide-ranging and accessible textbook has been carefully designed to be key reading for a wide range of courses, including distance-learning courses, from translation and interpreting ethics to translation theory and practice.
Author(s): Joseph Lambert
Series: Routledge Introductions to Translation and Interpreting
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 204
Cover
Half Title
Series Information
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Figures
Boxes
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Series Editor’s Foreword
Introduction
Chapter Content and Design
About this Book
Audience and Features
A Case Study-Based Approach
In the Classroom
Conclusion
Notes
1 Philosophical Foundations
What Is Ethics?
The Fundamental Ethical Questions
Approaches to Studying Ethics
Metaethics, Normative and Applied Ethics
Deontological Ethics
Consequentialism
Virtue Ethics
Why Study Ethics?
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Further Reading
2 Translation Ethics
Introduction
A Powerful Theoretical Basis – Andrew Chesterman
The Roots of Ethics in Western Translation Studies: Fidelity
Friedrich Schleiermacher: Problematising Translation and Fidelity
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Further Reading
3 Truth
Introduction
Deontology and Translation
Berman’s Deontology
Romantic Roots and Deontological Underpinnings
Trials of the Foreign
The “Letter”: Producing an Ethical Translation
Universalisability
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Notes
Further Reading
4 Responsibility
From Function and Fidelity to Loyalty
Translator Ethics: Anthony Pym On Cooperation, Risk, and Trust
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Notes
Further Reading
5 Justice
Overturning Neutrality and Looking to Emancipatory Translation
Venuti, Visibility, and Cultural Innovation
Inghilleri: From Textual Justice to Wider Justice
Dismantling Neutrality and Impartiality in Interpreting
Cultural Mediators
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Notes
Further Reading
6 Commitment
Personal Versus Professional Ethics and Commitment
From Mediators to Advocates
Narrative Theory: From Advocates to Activists
From Activists to Accountability
The Translator’s Telos
Moral Relativism
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation and Assignment Topics
Notes
Further Reading
7 Standards
What Are Codes of Ethics?
Guidelines Within Codes
Accuracy (Fidelity and Completeness)
Competence (And Skills Required)
Confidentiality
Conflicts of Interest
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Impartiality/neutrality
Integrity and Professionalism
Role Boundaries
The Effectiveness of Codes
Internal Conflicts
Enforcement
Coverage
Problems of Interpretation and Application
Content
Conclusion and Moving Forwards
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Note
Further Reading
Chapter 8 Ethical Professionals
Professions and Professionals
Looking Outwards: Social Responsibility
Looking Inwards: Ethical Stress
Growing Concerns: Rates of Pay and Ethical Payment Practices
Translation Technology and Ethics
Types of Translation Technology
Machine Translation Post Editing and Professional Status and Sustainability
Money
Sharing and Commoditisation of Translation Resources
Privacy and Confidentiality
Collaboration, Quality, and Fidelity
Cultural Hegemony
Conclusion
Discussion, Presentation, and Assignment Topics
Note
Further Reading
9 Other Viewpoints
Looking Further Afield
The Self: Egoism and Self-Interest
Handling Others: Representation and Representativeness
So, Where Does Our Responsibility Lie?
Textual Fidelity
Responsibility
New Perspectives
Codes of Ethics
Professionals
Society
And, More Generally
Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
