Distributed Agency in Networks of Translation: From Journalism to Treaties

Abstract

Today’s translation processes and production environments involve multiple actors and instruments that form increasingly complex networks. In this paper, I examine such networks and the distribution of influence in them. I illustrate the networks of translation and the distribution of agency therein through two example cases: (1) translation of journalistic texts by a freelance translator through an LSP; (2) government translators’ work on treaties.The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that in order to understand the nature of a translator’s work and its outcomes, one needs to look far beyond the immediate participants of the translation assignment. The distribution of agency should be acknowledged whenever studying phenomena related to translation, and also when dealing with translation products. Understanding the multitude of influential background factors gives a better understanding of why the target texts are what they are, and it also sheds light on the position of translators.