World Congress on Specialized Translation 2008: Languages and Intercultural Dialogue in a Globalizing World

		Description

NATURE OF THE EVENT

This event aims to be a forum for discussion on current international policies that advance the work of translators, a key factor in the preservation of linguistic diversity.

SPEAKERS

Two categories of speakers will participate in the Congress: those invited by the Congress’ organizing entities and speakers selected through a call for participation. The scientific committee will be responsible for the selection process.

PLACE AND DATE

The World Congress on Specialized Translation will be held at the Habana Libre Hotel (Calle L, Vedado district), Havana, Cuba, from December 8 to 13, 2008.

LANGUAGES OF THE CONGRESS

The official languages of the Congress are Spanish, French, English, Portuguese and Russian. The forum plans to have simultaneous interpretation services provided thanks to the support of the Center for Translation and Interpretation (ESTI) and the Cuban Association of Translators and Interpreters (ACTI).

TOPICS

The main topics of the Congress will be:

Information sciences, the Internet and translators: efficacy and efficiency

“Translation is too expensive and too slow,” or the lies behind monolingualism

Translation in international organizations, patents and norms

The translator in dialogue with editors and producers of audiovisual material

COORDINATION AND PROGRAMMING

The event will have an organizing committee, an academic committee and an honorary committee.

The organizing committee will comprise:

The Unión Latina, whose principal duties will be to oversee issues of international management, funding, publicity and outreach, registration and receiving proposals and communications.

The MAAYA network, which will help find funding and international sponsors for the event (UN, UNESCO, OIF, etc.).

The Center for Translation and Interpretation (ESTI), which along with the Unión Latina Office in Cuba will play a part in all logistical aspects of the Congress.

The Cuban Association of Translators and Interpreters (ACTI), which along with the Unión Latina Office in Cuba will play a part in all logistical aspects of the Congress.

The Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC), which will collaborate closely to find renowned individuals who can lend greater prestige to the event. CTTIC will also coordinate the participation of North American congress participants.

The Academic Committee will be made up of renowned translators and language specialists who are familiar with the challenges of translation and are committed to multilingualism. The committee will be responsible for evaluating the proposals that will be part of the Congress program.

The Honorary Committee will be made up of renowned individuals (writers, artists, politicians, businesspeople and others) who share the values of the Congress.

ANTICIPATED RESULTS

Increase recognition of the work of specialized translators.

Provide participants with information on the latest technologies and tools available to translators.

Identify pitfalls that are impeding the development of the profession.

Underline the need to contribute to a culturally and linguistically diverse world.

It is hoped that the Congress will lead to the development of a manifesto, a declaration or some other broad-based document that would then be sent to the UN and UNESCO, so that they can provide ongoing support for the work of translators.

EXPECTED PARTICIPATION

Approximately 300 people are expected to attend, mainly specialists in translation, language and translation-related linguistic policies, editors, lexicographers, terminologists and representatives of international organizations. University students are also expected to be present.

With the support of