Translation and Education

The digital revolution that began in the 20th century and continues today has profound and surprising implications for the role of the humanities in higher education. Three prominent characteristics of the 21st century -- ubiquitous technology, global interaction, and relentless change -- require a new approach to education that fosters technological expertise, communication across boundaries of language and culture, and creative responses to new challenges and opportunities. This situation creates new opportunities for a revitalized role of the humanities in education that combines critical with creative thought and emphasizes communication in a world connected by interactive technology. Literary translation can be a key contributor to the development and implementation of a humanities curriculum for the modern world designed to educate technologically sophisticated, innovative "citizens of the world."

Translation Studies as a Transforming Model for the Humanities
Presentation given at the XVIII FIT (International Federation of Translators) World Congress in Shanghai, which took place August 4-7, 2008

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