Abstract

Based on the findings of ‘Can theory help translators?’, a book I wrote with Professor Andrew Chesterman of Helsinki University, I shall give my personal views on aspects of translation theory that could be useful to practitioners and should therefore be included in translator training. I shall discuss possible areas of future research and the need to give a voice to professional translators in order to promote mutual understanding between translation studies scholars and practitioners.

Biography

Emma Wagner (M.A. Cantab., Diploma in Translation & Interpreting Bath, FITI) worked for the European Commission in Luxembourg for 30 years, as a translator, reviser, head of English translation unit and finally head of a department. She coordinated the 'Fight the Fog' campaign launched in 1998 to encourage Commission staff to write more clearly.

She is the co-author of:

Translating for the EU institutions by E. Wagner, S. Bech and J. M. Martínez (Publisher: St Jerome)

Can theory help translators? by A. Chesterman and E. Wagner (Publisher: St Jerome)

Clarifying EC Regulations by M. Cutts and E. Wagner (Publisher: Plain Language Commission)

For several years Emma worked for the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK, as a Council member and Education Officer. She has now returned the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation and works in the Editing Unit in Luxembourg.