Intercultural Communication and Translation

This session focuses on current issues in translation, intercultural communication, and pragmatic aspects of language contact in the Slavonic context. The session is a space for sharing research findings, critical reflections, and practical experience. We would like to concentrate on the role of translation and intercultural mediation in the process of the transformation of Slavonic cultures and languages. We plan for the discussion in this session to focus on connecting the linguistic, cultural, and social aspects of translation and communication with an emphasis on culturally conditioned meanings and the influence of globalization on the current Slavonic language area. This session encourages an interdisciplinary approach to translation—from pragmatics to theories of intercultural communication––and fosters greater understanding between linguistic and cultural communities both within and outside the Slavonic world. This session will provide experts the opportunity to discuss translation as a tool of intercultural understanding, to share pedagogical and research experience, and to establish cooperation.

Topics:

• pragmatic aspects and culturally conditioned meanings in translation (between Slavonic languages and between non-Slavonic and Slavonic languages)
• the role of translations in forming national identities and the cultural memory in the Slavonic language area (historical and political contexts)
• interlinguistic interference in translation
• the influence of globalization on terminology and technical translation
• social aspects of translation and intercultural communication (power mechanisms in translation and intercultural communication in the Slavonic language area)
• teaching translation and intercultural communication in the context of Slavonic languages and cultures

Related major research areas of the Department of Slavonic Studies:
Pragmalinguistics and the social functions of language
Slavonic interlingual equivalence and multilingual lexicography

Organizers:
Olga Berger (coordinator), Anna Agapova, Jiří Gazda, Elena Krejčová, Pavel Krejčí

Language of session:
all Slavonic languages, English