Estudios de Traducción (ISSN-e 2254-1756) is an annual journal published by the Complutense University of Madrid’s University Institute of Modern Languages and Translators. It compiles articles on different aspects of the field of translation in addition to reviews of studies on the topic and literary works translated into Spanish. It is aimed at students, professors and researchers and also anyone interested in this wide field of research.
In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Estudios de Traducción is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.
Oye, oye! The Spanish Discourse Marker Oye and its German Equivalents
Studies on discourse markers have been steadily increasing, and the interest in their scientific field has not waned over the years. This article proposes an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses the functional analysis of selected discourse markers in fictional dialogues in Spanish and German, together with their equivalents in official translations. Accordingly, this study is situated within the framework of pragmatic-descriptive and translation studies. First, we attempt to offer a detailed description of the functions and discursive positions of the marker oye and its variants. Secondly, we seek to identify their translations and, thus, their prototypical bidirectional equivalents. As a basis for our research, we have analysed examples of oye in its function as a discourse marker based on occurrences identified in the Parallel Corpus German/Spanish (PaGeS). Subsequently, our objective was to determine whether and in what way this marker had been rendered into German. This study is presented as an innovative contribution, since there are few studies of discourse markers in the context of the represented orality in written literary discourse, above all in terms of translation regarding the language pair Spanish-German. This contribution is expected to benefit students, linguists, language teachers, translators, and all those who work with the language daily.
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DeepSeek as Generative IA Tool in Specialized Text Translation and Post-Editing
This study explores the impact of Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in specialized translation processes, using DeepSeek-V3 as the primary tool. The research, with an empirical-exploratory and mixed-method approach, focuses on two objectives: first, to analyze the translation skills and strategies used by students employing DeepSeek to translate texts in legal, medical, and scientific fields; second, to describe the post-editing process, evaluating the techniques used to improve the accuracy and cultural adaptation of the final text. The central research question guiding the study is how DeepSeek influences the development of translation skills and what post-editing strategies students apply to enhance their translations. The methodology involves translation practices with a group of 30 advanced students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Translation at UABC in Mexicali, who translated and post-edited three specialized texts with DeepSeek. These exercises, conducted in three-hour sessions, also included the creation of specific terminological glossaries. A specialized rubric was used to measure translation quality, and Translog-II software recorded the time spent on each activity, assessing the efficiency and accuracy of the process. Preliminary results indicate improved efficiency in the translation process and the final product quality through AI tools and post-editing. In the final survey, students also reported a positive perception of DeepSeek, highlighting its utility in developing specific translation competencies.
Sources for public service translators and interpreters: organising sources to make the most out of their potential
Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT) is characterised by the variety of its fields, subject matter, modalities, and the language combinations in which they are required. In a context in which the need for research to achieve specialisation is striking, the classification of the available resources is essential. We believe that this classification should be based on the type of competence that it could help develop in the translator/interpreter and include a basic description of these resources. This would ultimately maximise their effectiveness and, in turn, they could be used to test their training potential in PSIT. This chapter has two objectives. On the one hand, we aim to propose a database based on the sources with research or training potential relevant to the health and legal-administrative fields of PSIT based on a selection of sources of the DIALOGOS project. On the other hand, we aim to describe those resources considering the main competence that could be developed and the type of information they offer, i.e, either terminological, textual and thematic, or strategic. Ultimately, the study shows the variety of resources available that can be used for research and training purposes to ensure the translator's own awareness of the importance of skill-oriented documentation, once the translation problem has been identified; the approach is particularly applicable to language combinations with very few bilingual sources.
Linguistic and cultural bridges in healthcare: analysis of the role of professional interpreters in contexts involving languages of lesser diffusion
This research paper analyses the linguistic and intercultural barriers perceived by professional interpreters working in the Spanish healthcare sector, with particular attention to the impact of these obstacles on the care provided to speakers of languages of lesser diffusion (LLS), a group that is often vulnerable due to a lack of specific resources. From the perspective of public service interpreting, the study examines the extent to which these barriers have an impact on clinical communication and, therefore, patient safety and the quality of interaction between healthcare staff and non-Spanish-speaking patients. In order to obtain data, a field study was conducted based on a semi-structured survey addressed to healthcare interpreters, collecting information on their professional profile, intercultural training, and experiences, to identify recurrent difficulties at both the linguistic and cultural levels, as well as limitations stemming from the lack of institutional resources and specialized training. The results show that intercultural barriers play a central role in healthcare encounters and have a particularly significant impact on speakers of LLS, due to factors such as the scarcity of training resources and the limited availability of specialized interpreters.
Training Non-Professional Interpreters and Translators in Public Services: DIALOGOS
The growing diversity of migrant populations in Europe has heightened the demand for communication across languages of lesser diffusion (LLD). While professional translators and interpreters exist for majority languages, gaps remain for communities speaking recently arrived or low-resource languages. In these cases, non-professional interpreters and translators (NPITs)—often bilingual or heritage speakers with little or no formal training—frequently bridge communication in healthcare, legal, and humanitarian settings. The Erasmus+ DIALOGOS project sought to address this situation by mapping LLDs in Spain, Italy, and Greece, identifying communication needs, and developing a training module for NPITs. This article presents the rationale, methodology, results, and reflections from the project. The study combined surveys and interviews with stakeholders, an analysis of existing resources, and a pilot training course. Findings reveal significant reliance on NPITs in public service settings, major training gaps, and the need to balance urgent communication demands with ethical and professional standards. The pilot course confirmed the feasibility of training NPITs in essential interpreting and translation skills, though challenges remain in scaling up training and ensuring professional recognition. The article situates these findings in the broader scholarship on NPIT, crisis translation, and public service interpreting, highlighting the risks, opportunities, and directions for future work.
Training legal translators and interpreters: Creation and reception of didactic materials and resources to train non-professional translators and interpreters in languages of lesser diffusion
Amidst the shift in migratory paradigms, the Erasmus+ project Dialogos aims to offer a solution to linguistic barriers faced by migrant population when it comes to accessing Public Services. Said barriers are even more significant in the case of Languages of Lesser Diffusion (LLD) speakers, for which there is a lack of qualified linguistic professionals and, thus, ad hoc interpreters with no formal training are drawn on. This results in inequalities in accessing services like healthcare or legal assistance. In this context, Dialogos suggests the creation of a training course in Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT) addressed to LLD speakers, to enable them to provide quality linguistic assistance. This paper focuses on analysing the materials designed as part of the legal-administrative module of the course, as well as the didactic methodologies adopted. We will also consider the feedback received from the attendants of the pilot course, which took place on March 2024 in Madrid. Our main objective is to present the methodology for materials creation and PSIT training, with special emphasis on the legal field and its peculiarities. Additionally, in line with the project’s general objectives, we aim at contributing to the inclusion of migrant population in the host society and the professionalisation of PSIT.
From Training to Practice: Evaluating the Role and Training of Lesser Diffusion Languages Interpreters and Mediators in Healthcare Services
This paper explores the crucial role of Lesser Diffusion Languages (LDL) Interpreters and Mediators in overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers in healthcare for migrant populations in Granada, Spain. Through a qualitative case study, it assesses the effectiveness of the Salud Entre Culturas training program in preparing interpreters for interpreting, cultural mediation, and translation services. The study draws on participant observation through detailed fieldnotes, document analysis, and surveys targeting both interpreters and healthcare professionals. These diverse data sources were brought together through a process of crystallization to provide a nuanced and comprehensive evaluation of interpreters’ practical skills, their experiences during training, and the program’s overall real-world impact within clinical settings. Findings highlight how the training equips interpreters with essential competencies that improve communication between healthcare staff and patients while also enhancing patient satisfaction and trust. The study identifies persistent challenges, including limited language-specific feedback for LDL interpreters, inconsistent access to supervisory support, and the ongoing need for continuous professional development. Recommendations include expanding language coverage, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and integrating interpreter training more fully into the public healthcare system. Additionally, the implementation of formal certification pathways would further professionalize LDL interpreters and ensure that linguistically diverse communities consistently receive high-quality, culturally responsive care. Beyond its specific findings, the study offers a replicable case-study approach grounded in crystallized data collection, which can serve as a model for evaluating LDL interpreter training programs in other multilingual and multicultural contexts.
‘No professional interpreter at hand!’ Training healthcare professionals on how to work with child language brokers
A qualitative study conducted in Spain in 2023 by the authors of this paper highlights the complexity of child language brokering in medical contexts. While such brokering may offer uncertain benefits for communication and subsequent medical treatment, it often results in negative consequences on the children, which can be difficult to mitigate. However, in some situations, children may be the only bilingual individuals available to assist. Moreover, language-brokering tasks can prove rewarding and, at their best, have a profoundly positive impact. Although legislation in most countries rightly prohibits child labour, children may still be called upon to interpret for family members or friends in medical contexts where no professional interpreter is readily available. Such tasks may not be recognised as ‘labour’, and the adults involved may be unaware of the potential risks to the child. Raising awareness of the implications of such tasks and offering guidance on how to prevent long-lasting adverse effects on minors is therefore essential. This is what our paper sets out to do, drawing on testimonies from the authors’ qualitative study. It offers a series of guidelines to help health professionals and patients engage with child brokers in ways that minimise risks for everyone involved. While these recommendations represent an imperfect solution to a deeply imperfect situation, they aim is to encourage safer practices.
Solidaridad en Traducción e Interpretación en los Servicios Públicos: Análisis exploratorio del perfil del traductor/intérprete voluntario en ONG
Considering the active role that NGOs play to facilitate communication between migrant users and providers of different public services, this paper aims to examine the training background, as well as the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the volunteers who altruistically translate, interpret or mediate. Additionally, we explore the requirements set by NGOs (such as an advanced level of Spanish and another working language, specialised training in translation, interpreting, mediation or languages, cultural knowledge, and prior professional experience) and, lastly, the activities in which these volunteers engage (including translation, interpreting, user accompaniment, delivery of workshops or training talks, intercultural mediation, and assistance with administrative procedures). Furthermore, we collect the volunteers’ perceptions regarding their training deficiencies and the primary challenges they encounter, among other relevant factors. Based on data collected from a sample of thirty online surveys, we propose the implementation of training pills collaboratively designed by universities and NGOs. Universities would contribute to the development of a common curriculum, while NGOs, as stable points of contact with migrant users, would design a second module tailored to the specific needs of their field and to the particular needs of the users with whom they interact in their daily professional practice
Preliminary mapping of lesser used languages (LLD) and Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT) in the EU
This article presents a preliminary mapping of Languages of Lesser Diffusion (LLD) and Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT) in the European Union, in the context of increasing linguistic diversity driven by contemporary migration flows. Although the European regulatory framework recognizes linguistic rights in key areas-such as asylum, justice, education, and healthcare - there remains a significant gap between legislation and practical implementation. Through a comparative analysis of Nordic, Western, and Eastern European countries, the study reveals substantial disparities in the management of LLD and in the professionalization of PSIT, ranging from well-established accreditation and training systems to fragmented responses based on ad hoc solutions and reliance on bilinguals without specific training. The article argues that addressing LLD requires comprehensive language policies that encompass specialized training, certification frameworks, stable funding, and both institutional and transnational cooperation. The mapping offered here provides an initial structured overview of the current situation of LLD and PSIT across the EU, highlighting the need to move towards more coherent and sustainable models that ensure communicative equity and effective access to rights in increasingly multilingual societies.
A retrospective review of language brokers’ coping and emotional responses
Child language brokering (CLB) is too varied to be portrayed as a solely positive or negative psychological experience, which provides at least a partial explanation for the mixed findings in the extant literature about the effects of CLB on bilingual children. A corpus of approximately eight hours of semi-structured interviews with thirty former child language brokers from different countries allows the author to reflect on potential stressors that could ultimately help to predict children’s emotional responses, coping skills and psychological adaptation to challenging settings. The study revealed two parameters that may predict potentially stressful situations and negative outcomes arising from CLB: 1. awareness of the consequences of mistranslations (game vs. responsibility), and 2. language brokers’ mixed maturity, i.e. the ability to handle exposure to cognitive situations and challenges they may lack the emotional skills for. These two variables, along with other potential stressors, such as the complexity, severity or unease with the situation, makes them potentially vulnerable and might explain conflicting emotions when translating in adult situations, such as the coexistence of feelings of self-worth with feeling overburdened. The conclusions draw attention to avoiding the premature assigning of translating responsibilities before children are emotionally or developmentally ready, an approach worth considering as many immigrant families still prefer to ‘trust’ their own children as linguistic mediators, even when professional interpreters may be available.
Portable glossaries: a to-go terminological tool for public service interpreters in training
Despite being a highly necessary discipline to ensure migratory rights, public service interpreting and translation (PSIT) is still an undeveloped profession in many countries. The following research arises as a way to increase training and professionalisation efforts for the job by determining the applicability of informational resources addressed for migrants as linguistic resources for language provision. Within this context, we propose the creation of what we call portable glossaries, which are concise terminological glossaries (10-15 terms of each grammatical category) that include the most important or problematic terminology on a specific area and can be carried around during the interpreting job. To create these glossaries, a corpus analysis has been performed on a total of 69 open-access, official resources addressed at interpreters and migrants, to ensure the actual relevance of the chosen terminology. These glossaries focus on the areas of legal, humanitarian and medical terminology, as well as acronyms, but may be upgraded if analysis of further resources is performed. With this proposal, we expect to facilitate resources for interpreters in training, native speakers that find themselves acting as ad hoc interpreters, as well as public services providers in need, in an attempt to improve public service accessibility and quality for migrants.
Designing a competence profile to guide crash courses for non-professional interpreters working in the field of international protection
In a context of an ever-increasing number of applications for international protection, translation and interpretation play a crucial role in the integration of displaced persons into the host society and in safeguarding their most basic rights. Legislation enshrines the right to translation and interpretation in the field of international protection, but does not establish training or professional requirements for the provision of these services. This leads to the fact that very often those who carry out these interpreting tasks have no prior training or professional qualification in interpreting, which in turn undermines the quality of the service provided and brings clear disadvantages for end-users. This is even more conspicuous in the case of the so-called languages of lesser diffusion or minority languages, for which there are no university training programmes in place but for which there is a very high demand, sometimes as a result of specific humanitarian crises. This paper presents a competence profile which encompasses the fundamental skills, abilities and knowledge that an interpreter working in the field of international protection must have, broken down into competence areas, with the aim that this competence model can, in turn, help to establish learning objectives in the design of crash courses for non-professional interpreters.
Public Service Interpreting in Greece: Professionalization Challenges and Candidate Profiles for the National Interpreter Registry
In response to the growing demand for professional interpreters, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, in collaboration with the Ionian University’s Department of Foreign Language, Translation, and Interpreting, launched an initiative to establish a national registry of accredited public service interpreters. This paper examines the challenges of professionalizing the field by drawing on insights from two questionnaire-based surveys conducted as part of the project: one assessing interpreter-mediated interactions from the perspective of asylum officers and another analyzing the profiles of candidates who participated in the registry’s entry-level exams. The first survey, which collected responses from 16 public officers at the Greek Asylum Service, revealed persistent issues, including reliance on untrained interpreters, frequent breaches of ethical standards, inconsistencies in professional conduct, and a lack of trust between stakeholders. The second survey examined the profiles of 61 interpreter candidates, highlighting their diverse linguistic backgrounds, varying levels of Greek proficiency, and limited formal training in interpreting. Despite previous work experience, many candidates failed the entry exams. By correlating the findings from both surveys, this paper identifies systemic gaps in the professionalization of public service interpreting in Greece and underscores the urgent need for targeted reforms.
African language interpreters and trainee interpreters in the Canary Islands: Two educational proposals for the acquisition of specific skills
Migration is a fundamental process in human history, reflecting social, cultural and economic changes. In Europe, especially in the south, migration flows have changed. Traditional migrant-sending countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece have become receivers of people from the Maghreb, the Sahel and the Middle East. These migrants are fleeing armed conflict, political instability, social inequalities, the effects of climate change and high rates of population growth. This increase in migration has led to a growing demand for translation and interpretation services, which are essential to overcome language barriers and facilitate the integration of migrants. However, there is a significant gap between the languages taught in universities and those actually required in this context, especially the African languages of lesser diffusion. In response, the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has promoted a specific training initiative for ad hoc interpreters, as well as the Educational Innovation Project ‘From the classroom to the neighbourhood for intercultural coexistence’, which seeks to develop skills in university students and migrant persons to interpret in public services, while promoting social integration.
The challenge of training non-professional telephone interpreters: an urgent training proposal based on experience
This article provides a systematic analysis of the urgent training needs of telephone interpreters operating within public services in Spain, with particular attention to non-professional profiles originating from diverse sociocultural and linguistic backgrounds. Telephone interpreting, characterised by operational immediacy, logistical flexibility and high demand in critical contexts, frequently relies on ad hoc interpreters such as migrants and bilingual individuals without formal training, which raises significant challenges in terms of service quality, professional ethics and long-term sustainability. Drawing on a practice-based case study of Dualia Teletraducciones, the paper examines accelerated recruitment procedures, candidate screening mechanisms and emergency training models designed to respond effectively to multilingual demand peaks and crisis situations. Special attention is paid to the integration of technological tools and artificial intelligence in selection, training and quality monitoring processes, as well as to the role of modular, collaborative and remote training formats. The study also addresses key professional dimensions of telephone interpreting, including emotional management, psychological resilience and recurring ethical dilemmas in public service settings. Finally, the article proposes the application of the Critical Incident Technique as an operational framework for rapid quality assessment and continuous service improvement. The proposed model offers a scalable and transferable framework that may inform training and quality assurance strategies in other organisations delivering remote interpreting services in high-pressure and emergency-driven environments.
Mapping the field: a systematic review of non-professional interpreting and translation in Italy.
This paper presents a systematic review of the current research literature on non-professional interpreting and translation (NPIT) in public services in the Italian context, a critical area of research given the increasing demand for effective communication in diverse communities. Non-professional interpreting and translation, often carried out by adult and child bilingual individuals without formal training, has gained increasing attention due to its relevance in multicultural and multilingual settings such as health, legal and educational services, particularly in response to Italy's growing immigrant population. Non-professional interpreters and translators, often community members or bilingual staff, play a vital role in facilitating access to essential services, yet their work is frequently underrecognized and under-researched. This review synthesizes existing literature from the last two decades, highlighting the methodologies, contexts, and outcomes of non-professional interpreting practices across various public service sectors, including healthcare and education. The findings offer insights into the role of NPIT in Italy, highlighting its relevance for public policy and social inclusion strategies. By identifying gaps in current research and practice, this review aims to inform future studies and improve the efficacy of interpreting and translation services in public contexts, ultimately fostering better communication and equity for non-native speakers in society.
Training Interpreters of Languages of Lesser Diffusion in an English Medium, Non Language Specific Interpreting Classroom
This article will outline the training of interpreters working with languages of lesser diffusion in the non-language specific interpreting classroom with English as the medium of instruction at one New Zealand University. The paper will reflect on the findings of previous studies, before turning to the approaches used at the university in question, and reflecting on any remaining challenges. This paper will introduce Languages with Less Existing Specialist Terminology (LLESTs) as a new term to reflect the difficulty interpreters and translators working with certain languages have in identifying existing equivalent terms for specialist terminology. The author will argue that while Languages of Lesser Diffusion (LLDs) are not necessarily Languages with Less Existing Specialist Terminology (LLESTs), LLESTs are almost always LLDs and that this requires special attention in the interpreter training setting. The article will discuss initiative by the New Zealand government to allow practising interpreters to complete a NAATI Endorsed Qualification so as to ensure a more even quality of interpreting in the public service setting. She will provide details on the number of students working with LLDs in the 2024 academic year, while discussing some of the challenges of non-language specific interpreter training at her university, together with some of the approaches, including the use of GoReact for interpreting practice, self-reflection and language-peer feedback.
Álvaro Aranda, Cristina, La interpretación sanitaria en una sociedad de profesiones. Comares 2025. 176 pp.
En una sociedad multicultural y plurilingüe, donde la justicia social y la desigualdad enfrenta retos para hacerse patente, especialmente en el ámbito sanitario, la autora Cristina Álvaro presenta la obra La interpretación sanitaria en una sociedad de profesiones. La obra responde a la creciente necesidad de servicios de interpretación que garanticen una atención sanitaria inclusiva, igualitaria y de calidad para la población migrante. La autora propone una reflexión sobre el diálogo y la colaboración necesaria entre la medicina y la interpretación para asistir a todos aquellos pacientes que no comprenden el idioma, algo que se torna imprescindible en los casos en los que se habla de temas tan importantes como la salud y la enfermedad. La autora se plantea la profesionalización de la interpretación sanitaria, así como la visión sobre la misma de la sociedad, partiendo de la sociología de las profesiones. Esta monografía responde a la cuestionada profesionalización de los intérpretes sanitarios desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar, mostrando la realidad de un equipo de intérpretes que participan en la interacción sanitario-paciente, destacando su enfoque exhaustivo, actualizado y profesional.
Čukovskij and the beginnings of scientific translation studies in the USSR
This article analyses the beginnings and consolidation of scientific translation studies in the USSR. To this end, we take a critical look at the theory and practice of translation since the October Revolution (1917) and the publication of the first version of Principles of Artistic Translation (1919) by K. I. Čukovskij and N. S. Gumilëv, published in the context of the activity of the publishing house Vsemirnaâ Literatura, until the publication of the first edition of Introduction to the Theory of Translation by A. V. Fëdorov (1953, the year that coincides with Stalin's death). For K. I. Čukovskij, the constant in translation is the harmonization of two factors into a communicative consensus: the internal dialogue between languages ​​and between the cultures that underlie them. In his translation theory, it is essential that the translator establish theoretical principles for his art. Subsequently, in the 1940s and 1950s, authors focused on the study of the translation process, the analysis of possible correlations between the original text and the translation, and the development of a classification of translations. Theoretical debates in translation studies diversified and intensified in the USSR from the 1950s onward, especially following the publication of A. V. Fedorov’s work. A. V. Fedorov’s work is extremely important because it pioneered Soviet translation theory in many respects and because of the large number of theoretical approaches and concepts he introduced or developed.
Nuevos Enfoques Lingüísticos y Traductológicos del Discurso Turístico
El presente volumen explora la riqueza y pluralidad del turismo y su discurso a través de un análisis interdisciplinario, que proporciona una visión integral del impacto del turismo en diversas esferas comunicativas, sociales y culturales. Esta obra recopila un total de quince investigaciones que destacan la naturaleza intercultural, multifacética y multilingüe de esta actividad, así como la variedad de géneros discursivos que merecen un análisis detenido. El volumen aborda desde la influencia de las redes sociales y la creación de nuevos formatos del discurso turístico hasta la emoción y la subjetividad presentes en las comunicaciones promocionales. Ofrece una panorámica de cómo el turismo contemporáneo se entrelaza con múltiples dimensiones y formatos discursivos, subrayando los desafíos estratégicos que enfrentan traductores, terminólogos y lingüistas.
Infratranslation and Supratranslation in early-20th Century Basque Country: Asymmetry in Literary Translation Flows between Basque and Spanish (1923-1939)
The aim of this paper is to study the differences in literary translations from Basque into Spanish and from Spanish into Basque in the period preceding the Francoist dictatorship (1923-1939). More specifically, the work presented here is a descriptive study regarding the differences between both directionalities. Indeed, translation is not only a linguistic and cultural transfer, but also a series of interconnected flows that allow us to understand the (a)symmetrical dynamics between the implicated languages and literary systems. Infra- and supratranslational exchanges show, on all levels, the power dynamics between the agents involved. In the case of translation between Basque and Spanish, differences regarding center-periphery level positions are accompanied by a diglossic coexistence between languages and literary systems, the consequences of which merit studying. This being so, I ask what form these dynamics took in the years preceding Francoist repression and, so, the aim of this paper is to study, especially at a macrotextual and systemic level, the asymmetry found in translation flows between Basque and Spanish in this period. In doing so, it is the author’s hope to offer a comparison between the characteristics of infratranslation and supratranslaion in the aforementioned linguistic combination and time frame, to verify whether predictions of theories concerning asymmetry in center-periphery relations in translation hold true, and to reflect on how the starting position and goal of translation affect its product.
Challenges in the sworn translation of the French acte de mariage: categorization of translation problems and students' perception of teacher feedback
This article analyses the challenges of sworn translation of French marriage certificates (actes de mariage) into Spanish from a functionalist perspective. In the first part of this study and based on a corpus of 12 real documents, five categories of translation problems are identified: proper names, postal addresses, official titles and institutions, cryptic terms, and stereotyped phraseological set formulas. In the second part of this study, 56 translation assignments evaluated in a university course are examined to determine whether the students in the bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting at Pablo de Olavide University identify the same translation problems and to assess their solutions. The results show a significant correlation between the translation problems identified by students and the categories established in the study, suggesting that the didactic approach is effective. Moreover, within the framework of the RetroTrad project, the study analyzes students’ perception of teacher feedback through a survey conducted with the same participants. Most students find the evaluation criteria clear and the feedback useful, although they express a need for more personalized and detailed comments. The study highlights the importance of improving legal translation training by providing tools to address specific challenges and optimizing feedback in the classroom. Finally, it emphasizes that the combination of continuous assessment through translation assignments and effective feedback in class contributes to the development of better-prepared translators for the professional field.
Traduttore Traditore: How the “Unfaithful” Illuminate Translation and Interpreting Studies
This article examines deviant practices found in fictional portrayals of translators and interpreters. The diverse manifestations of misconduct shown here serve to illuminate the moral complexities inherent in linguistic mediation, revealing a typology of professional misconduct that ranges from textual appropriation, in which translators systematically diminish source material through selective omission, to complete textual substitution, wherein practitioners replace entire works with original compositions while maintaining the pretense of translation. Additional categories include gradual authorial usurpation through excessive annotation, deliberate misinterpretation in life-threatening situations, competitive manipulation of interpretive accuracy for personal gain, fabrication of source texts to claim dual authorship, and vindictive narrative modification targeting specific characters. These fictional portrayals serve as critical examinations of the power dynamics embedded in translation and interpretation practice, highlighting tensions between fidelity, creativity, personal ethics, and professional responsibility. The findings demonstrate how literary fiction functions as a site for exploring the boundaries of professional conduct in translation studies, revealing the complex negotiations between accuracy and adaptation, neutrality and intervention, and service and self-interest that characterize the translator/interpreter’s role as cultural intermediary. This typology contributes to understanding the ethical frameworks governing translation and interpretation while illustrating how fictional narratives can illuminate real-world professional dilemmas in cross-linguistic communication.
Vidal Claramonte, M.ª Carmen África, Translation and Repetition: Rewriting (Un)original Literature. Routledge 2023. 174 pp.
Linguistic Accessibility to Oncological Healthcare Information Resources for Arabic-Speaking Migrants in Andalusia
The aim of this research article is to analyse the management of multilingualism in healthcare settings serving migrant populations, with particular emphasis on accessibility, translation, and interpretation. The increasing linguistic diversity in many European countries, including Spain, poses significant challenges to ensuring equitable access to healthcare. Effective communication between healthcare professionals and migrant patients is essential for achieving accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and overall patient well-being. This study specifically examines the healthcare needs of the Arabic-speaking migrant population in Andalusia, with particular attention to women’s access to health information related to breast cancer. It also analyses the availability of institutional informational resources for the detection, prevention, and treatment of this condition. To this end, the study employs a methodology that integrates documentary analysis, a review of the European and Spanish legislative frameworks on linguistic accessibility, and an examination of the textual genres used in health communication. It assesses the extent to which existing materials are linguistically and culturally adapted for Arabic-speaking users, as well as the availability and quality of their Arabic translations. Finally, the article presents the results and proposes a set of priority resources and materials for translation, with the aim of enhancing communicative equity and improving access to information within Andalusian healthcare services.
López-Rodríguez, Clara Inés. Traducción accesible para el teatro. Emociones y multimodalidad. Editorial Universidad de Granada 2025. 198 pp.
La presenta reseña trata sobre el libro mencionado en el título, escrito por la profesora Clara Inés López-Rodríguez y editado en Granada por la Editorial Universidad de Granada en 2025.
Hernández, Isabel (Ed.). Voces olvidadas: los traductores de obras españolas en la época de la literatura universal. Guillermo Escolar 2024. 376 pp.
Adaptation as multimodal product: Babylon Berlin — a case study
Multimodality is a growing field of study within audiovisual translation studies, as it allows the analysis of all linguistic and non-linguistic elements that characterize audiovisual products. This approach considers that any text is composed of different modes or modalities such as image, sound, gestures, music or language, among others, which complement each other for the creation of meaning. The following research aims to apply this multimodal perspective to the process of adapting a literary work to the screen, understood as a translation between different semiotic systems, in which the content of written language is transferred through different semiotic systems to the audiovisual production. For this purpose, the procedure carried out in the adaptation of the German novel Der nasse Fisch (Kutscher 2007) into the successful television production Babylon Berlin (Arndt et al. 2017-present) is studied. Through the analysis of the scenes based on the novel, the combinations of the modes used in the creation of the multimodal product and their implications are analysed. As a result, it is found that non-verbal modes such as images and sounds are used exclusively to transfer part of the content of the novel to the screen, highlighting the need for non-linguistic perspectives in its study.
Transnational Itineraries of Juan Goytisolo's Marks of Identity: Editorial Processes, Translation, and Reception between Gallimard and Grove Press
This article reconstructs the complex publishing history and transnational reception of Juan Goytisolo’s Señas de identidad (1966), analyzing the mediation processes that facilitated its publication in the United States under the countercultural imprint Grove Press. Based on the analysis of unpublished correspondence, the study unravels the arduous negotiations led by editor Richard Seaver, which were heavily conditioned by the institutional rivalry between Barney Rosset and Claude Gallimard, and by the author's economic urgency to settle debts in France. The text details how a competitive counteroffer from Doubleday catalyzed a substantial improvement in contractual terms, consolidating Goytisolo’s abandonment of social realism in favor of narrative experimentation within the anglophone market. The study’s conclusions highlight the decisive role of translator Gregory Rabassa, whose English version, Marks of Identity, not only resolved linguistic challenges but operated as a canonization device that strategically integrated Goytisolo into the Latin American Boom phenomenon, aligning him aesthetically with figures such as Cortázar and García Márquez. Finally, the instability of the original text is addressed, examining how political and editorial pressures motivated the suppression of the chapter regarding Cuba. It is concluded that the definitive version of the novel is the hybrid result of market and diplomatic tensions, demonstrating how transnational itineraries shaped the writer's literary identity.