Nordic Translation Conference, Redux

Awhile back, I posted the first call for papers for the Nordic Translation Conference. I've received a great selection of abstracts now, and I'm excited about how the conference is shaping up. Below is the second call for papers. One thing I've added to it is that people can now send in proposals for workshops they'd like to run as well; there's been some interest in having workshops/training sessions, and so far several people have offered to organize a few, and I hope there will be even more such offers. Another thing I'd like to mention about the call for papers is that I really encourage more inter-Nordic paper proposals, and not just Nordic-English ones.

And for those of you who might like to attend the conference, Scandinavian Airlines has agreed to be the official airlines of the event, which means that everyone who flies to London on SAS or one of their partner airlines will get discounted airfare.

For updated information on the conference, regularly check this website.

Second Call for Papers

The Nordic Translation Conference will take place in London at the Institute of Germanic and Romance Studies on 7 and 8 March, 2008.

For the first time, a major conference is being planned all about Nordic translation. While many conferences on translation frequently include a presentation or two that mention Nordic issues, however peripherally, there has not yet been an event solely dedicated to the particular challenges and pleasures of translating between and among the Nordic countries, which are often closely related culturally, if not always linguistically. It should be exciting for academics and translators working on and with the Nordic languages to gather, discuss, and exchange ideas. The speakers will include Douglas Robinson, Kirsten Malmkjær, Tiina Nunnally, Geoffrey Samuelsson-Brown, Janet Garton, and Martin Næs.

The conference will look at literary and non-literary translation of all kinds, including interpreting and subtitling, both between various Nordic languages and also between English and the Nordic languages. Nordic here includes Danish, Faroese, Finnish, Greenlandic, Icelandic, Norwegian, any of the Sámi dialects, and Swedish. Topics can include, but are not limited to, specific linguistic issues involved in translation/interpretation between two or more languages, analysis of particular texts/genres, professional issues, translating texts by or about minority groups, the translator/interpreter’s role, and the effect of cultural similarities/differences among Nordic countries. Both academics and practicing translators are encouraged to attend and present at the conference.

In addition, the conference will include several workshops on relevant topics, such as working with specific languages or kinds of texts, using computer tools, finding reference materials, and so on. Those interested in running workshops are also invited to submit proposals.

Please send proposals for conference papers or workshops (250-400 words) and a brief biographical note by 15 October 2007 to B.J. Epstein by e-mail or to her c/o French Department, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, or by fax to +44 1792 295978. Conference details are available at http://www.awaywithwords.se/. For ease of communication, English should be the primary conference language.