In translation studies, the discussion of social contexts conditioning the production and use of translations has been largely neglected so far. If the process of translation, including selection, production, distribution and reception, is viewed as a socially regulated activity, the social agents involved can be identified as constructing and constructed subjects in society. Such a view of translation as a social practice opens up a broad field of research, which first of all makes it necessary to identify the social factors conditioning the translation process.

The international conference "Translating and Interpreting as a Social Practice" aims to contribute to the conceptualisation of a general translation sociology. In the longer term, the plan is to elaborate a comprehensive theoretical and methodological framework, substantiated by empirical studies, which should allow us to analyse the social implications of the translation process in its various contexts. The conference will thus be a platform for critical debate including the following (and other related) issues:

• Which aspects of translation sociology have been considered so far in translation studies?
• Which of the models developed in sociology can broaden insights in translation studies?
• What theoretical and methodological impulses does cultural sociology have to offer translation studies?
• How does literary sociology link up with translation studies?
• Which models try to frame translation as a social practice, taking into account particularly the processual character of translation?
• In what ways can norm concepts contribute to the elaboration of a sociology of translation?
• What power relations affect the social agents of translation?
• The role of the different mediation agencies in the social context: what is the nature of these social networks?
• What are the conditions under which translation markets function? How do the legitimation mechanisms of  translation markets work?
• What factors condition socially relevant decisions taken by translators? In what ways do "external" social conditions influence the translator's decisions?
• Which questions of translation sociology may be relevant for a historically oriented approach to translation
  studies?
• The following issues can be discussed in detail with respect to the social context of translation: status,
  publishing policy, the professional image of translators and interpreters, their work settings, the role of institutions, the legal situation, etc.

We would welcome proposals which raise gender-specific questions, focus on interdisciplinary approaches, help to promote theorisation, discuss empirical studies, analyse the various issues in a contemporary or a historical perspective, and/or take account of various text types.

Concept and Organization:
Michaela Wolf
Alexandra Fukari

Scientific Committee:
Norbert Bachleitner
Andrew Chesterman
Johan Heilbron (to be confirmed)
Christina Schäffner
Daniel Simeoni (to be confirmed)
Gideon Toury
Michaela Wolf

Keynote Speakers:
Jean-Marc Gouanvic
Theo Hermans
Erich Prunc
Gisèle Sapiro

Further information on registration, congress fees and deadlines for abstracts will be circulated in November 2003. For queries and proposals for special panels please contact: or