ITI publishes conference programme

With the ITI International Conference 2009 just over three months away, ITI has published a programme that demonstrates a clear commitment to the conference title   Sustainability in Translation. The programme has identified four key aspects:

1. Sustainability in Translation, looking at where the worlds of translation and sustainability collide
2. Sustaining the Profession, looking at what is needed to secure the future of the translation and interpreting profession
3. Sustaining the Professional, looking at what you as a T&I professional can be doing to keep a healthy body and clear mind, and lead harmonious professional and private lives
4. Moving with the Times, looking at current and future trends in translation and interpreting and in the way in which T&I professionals conduct their business

Sustainability in Translation

Following an introduction and welcome from the Chair of ITI, Dr. Catherine Greensmith Hon FITI, the conference opens with a keynote paper delivered by Katerina Germanis of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Involved in the forestry sector on a global stage, FSC is a large-scale user of translation and interpreting services, and Katerina Germanis will deliver a paper that examines the key role of T&I in FSC’s work. This will be a unique insight into the demands for translation and interpreting in the area of the environment and sustainability from the client's perspective.

Sustaining the Profession

Where have all the translators gone? This is the question currently on the lips of European Commission translation chiefs. With fewer and fewer students of languages, especially among those with English as their native language, where will we find the translators of tomorrow? Those responsible for hiring translators and interpreters at the European Commission will be joined by Professor Myriam Salama-Carr, Director of the National Network for Translation, part of a governmental initiative that promotes translation and interpreting training and careers in the UK.

Sustaining the Professional

A harmonious work-life balance is the freelancer’s nirvana – how to juggle home and professional commitments, remain sane and healthy and not get taken for a ride at work. Sunday morning sees three consecutive papers on the work-life balance. The first is Dr. Steve Vincent’s presentation of his research into the work-life balance for HR consultants. Dr. Vincent’s paper is followed by a presentation by Siobhan Soraghan, a Business Coach who will be dispensing advice on achieving a work-life balance for freelancers. Finally, ITI member Phil Goddard will follow up on his article in the ITI bulletin and tell the conference about his own experiences of achieving a work-life balance while travelling across America. These three sessions will be followed by a joint question and answer session, inviting the three speakers to provide their own viewpoints on each other’s and the audience’s experiences.

Moving with the Times

While the traditional image of translators is one of sitting in stuffy libraries, poring over ancient dictionaries, we all know that the job of the modern freelance translator is really full of new technology. At the same time, many translators have heard of new social media, such as Twitter and LinkedIn and Facebook, but how many realize how these technologies can be useful in building their businesses? On Sunday morning, Philippa Hammond and Sarah Dillon will take us a on a whirlwind tour of social media and networking tools. And in perhaps the ultimate demonstration of how technology can bring us all closer together, while Philippa will be present at the conference venue in London, Sarah will be contributing live via the Internet from her home in Brisbane, Australia!

Technology is also the theme on Sunday afternoon, when the Localisation Research Centre’s Director, Reinhard Schäler, will look at the future of translation technology, and Danielle D'Hayer and Anton Gerada will examine the latest technologies available for interpreters.

Many more sessions are programmed in and around those highlighted above, and for more information please visit the Programme page of the conference website. Keep an eye on this page for the addition of new abstracts and speaker biographies as we approach the conference date.