Translation and Globalization

by Michael Cronin

Translation and Globalization is essential reading for anyone with an interest in translation, or a concern for the future of our world's languages and cultures. This is a critical exploration of the ways in which radical changes to the world economy have affected contemporary translation.
The Internet, new technology, machine translation and the emergence of a worldwide, multi-million dollar translation industry have dramatically altered the complex relationship between translators, language and power. In this book, Michael Cronin looks at the changing geography of translation practice and offers new ways of understanding the role of the translator in globalized societies and economies. Drawing on examples and case-studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the author argues that translation is central to debates about language and cultural identity, and shows why consideration of the role of translation and translators is a necessary part of safeguarding and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published May 22, 2003

Reviews

[WIlliam Gerrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, by Irish author Michael Cronin, explores translation studies from a globalization perspective with specific attention paid to the situation in Ireland. Globalization is a trend which is ever-increasing in our world and it is an undeniable fact. How do translators fit into this movement of culture? They are involved whether they support globalization or not and very often they must remain unbiased in their views. As contact increases between different cultures and language groups across the planet the translator is finding himself ever more involved. Technology issues and localisation are covered and this is particularly relevant to Ireland which has set itself up as a hub for the international technological revolution. The book analyses the different cultural conflicts which arise in translation as a result of globalization. What are the relationships between powerful global languages and more minor ones? I found the final chapter on minor languages, looking in detail at Irish Gaelic, most interesting. When one is a native speaker of English it is difficult to overlook the factors affecting translators of minor languages whose working lives and structure and thinking are markedly different to the bulk of translators. The book is very well written and gives a comprehensive outlook on Translation Studies, never veering too far from the underlying topic of globalization. I found it easy to follow and rich in its definitions and examples. I will be using the specific content on Translation History for my next essay.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would have been helpful if the author--a translator--would have provided translations for the quotes he used that were not in English. Yes, I do speak more than two languages and am not your typical "English-only English native speaker." But I found that really pretentious. And I'm not thrilled with my lecturer for the course, which I was assigned this book, either--as she thought this would not be an issue and assigned it as mandatory reading. I mean, most of us in the seminar are based in Germanic and Slavic languages. Excuse us if none of our 3-6 languages we speak happens to be French.

[Steffi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good ideas, but way too verbose and not well-organized.