This edited volume presents a collection of handbook-style introductions to varied aspects of what is termed, broadly, ‘language industry studies’. In the introduction, the editors define the language industry as a field that covers globalisation, internationalisation, localisation, and translation services, as well as “interpreting, consulting, project management and tool design”, and that includes various stakeholders like “language service providers (LSPs), vendors, project managers, terminologists, translators, interpreters, revisers, quality assurance specialists and consultants” (1). The volume comprises a foreword and an introduction followed by 15 chapters and a glossary of key terms. Each chapter provides an overview of relevant research foci with regard to a specific topic, as well as discussions of how the industry can inform academic research and vice versa. A common thread running through the volume is the situational complexity of the field and the need for further multidisciplinary research on the settings, practices and complexities of the language industry, in collaboration with the industry.
The first chapters introduce general issues for research in the workplace. In Chapter 2, Mellinger presents an overview of core issues of research design and methodology as well as ethical considerations when studying translation and translators in language industry settings. In Chapter 3, Risku, Rogl and Milošević provide a brief overview of cognitive, sociological and ergonomic approaches as frameworks for workplace research and discuss methodologies and focus areas for research.
The next two chapters address the roles and responsibilities of translators and interpreters. In Chapter 4, Schäffner discusses the views of translation professionals and scholars, as well as perceptions and status of translation and translators in the field more broadly. Chapter 5, by Albl-Mikasa, provides an overview of analytical frameworks for conference and community interpreting, discussing ethics, competence and professional identity.
In Chapter 6, Angelelli focuses on the concept of non-professional translation and interpreting, covering practices and assumptions and discussing the complexity of defining professional vs non-professional activity. In Chapter 7, Koskinen discusses translation as a service and proposes approaches employed in service design as a method for tailoring that service to the needs of clients and users.
The next two chapters address questions of competence and training. In Chapter 8, Shreve discusses expertise and professional development of translators, as well as organisational factors that may support or hinder the development of expertise. Chapter 9, by C. Way, addresses key issues and challenges for translator training and education and the dichotomy of vocational and academic perspectives.
Chapter 10, by Díaz-Cintas, discusses practices and research in the field of audiovisual translation. Continuing with the audiovisual context in Chapter 11, Jankowska focuses on the key concepts and practices related to media access services. In Chapter 12, Bowker covers terminological work and management within the context of translation, and also more broadly.
The final four chapters address translation technology from various perspectives. In Chapter 13, Van der Meer traces the history of translation technology and discusses the technology currently in R&D focus. Chapter 14, by A. Way, focuses on machine translation, outlining the different paradigms and, in particular, neural machine translation. In Chapter 15, Guerberof Arenas discusses pre- and post-editing and provides an overview of key practices and concepts. In Chapter 16, Carl and Planas introduce technology and practices defined as interactive translation technology.
The strength of the volume is the impressive range of topics covered by leading scholars in the field. At the same time, the breadth and the introductory nature left me missing some more depth. Reading the book cover-to-cover, quite a bit of overlap between chapters can also be seen, and some clearer delineation of topics might have left room for more in-depth treatment. The writing and editing of the book are of high quality, although some unfortunate misspellings of cited authors' names have slipped through in the editing process.
As a whole, the volume offers an excellent and accessible primer to diverse aspects of language industry research and practices for academics, trainers, students and practitioners.
Maarit Koponen
University of Helsinki & University of Turku
E-mail: maarit.koponen@utu.fi