Helen Campbell, Svetlana Carsten, Danielle D’Hayer, Catriona Howard, Begoña Rodriguez, Myriam Salama-Carr

This panel will discuss the role the National Networks for Translation and Interpreting can play in promoting the profession.

The National Networks for Translation and Interpreting were set up in 2007 under the auspices of the HEFCE-funded Routes into Languages Initiative to promote translation and interpreting as intellectually challenging, interesting and much needed professions, particularly in the global context of multilingualism and the shortage of English A speakers.

The main challenges for the Networks are to inspire young people and to highlight the advantages of language knowledge in all walks of life, whilst maintaining a realistic picture of what the profession demands in terms of linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Translation and interpreting are undergoing rapid and far-reaching changes, and the panel will examine some of the ways of facing the challenges ahead. We will discuss how best to consolidate the successes of the past and build on our achievements in future. The panel will address the following questions:

How can we manage our tasks with reduced financial support?

What are the best forms of cooperation with key players, the movers and shakers in our professions, with other universities and professional associations such as ITI?

What more can be achieved by pooling resources, exchanging experience and sharing costs?

How can we reach out to as wide a public as possible in our endeavors?