Translation Research

Translation and Sociology/Translation and Cultural Studies

Research in translation from a sociological and cultural studies perspective focuses on the agents involved in the translation process and analyses the social and cultural conditions and power relations that shape and constrain the agents' work. Drawing on methods derived from sociology and cultural studies, it seeks to extend translation theory and develop new teaching approaches.

Translation and Minorities

(Community and Sign Language Interpreting)

Research in Translation and Minorities examines the role of translation in encounters between members of majority and minority language groups along with its impact on meetings between different linguistic, social and cultural groups. It seeks to promote equality and socio-political change through a high degree of practice-orientation, including close cooperation with professional associations, institutions, NGOs and other groups which employ community or sign language interpreters. Current research is on community and sign language interpreting and translating, both within and outside established markets, and translation/interpreting teaching.

Translation, Cognition and Cooperation

Research in Translation, Cognition and Cooperation examines translation as a complex and interdependent cognitive and cooperative process. It draws on methods and models developed within translation theory, cognitive science, network research and terminology. It seeks to analyse interactions between individuals and groups in differently organised networks in a global communication society and to investigate to what extent these interactions are embedded in overarching processes. It examines and critically assesses the tools and action concepts that are used to deal with problems inherent in transcultural and multimedia communication.

South-Eastern Europe

The University of Graz has chosen South-Eastern Europe as a research focus. Research conducted by members of the Department examines historical, geographic, socio-cultural and linguistic aspects associated with the region. The ITAT closely cooperates with partner universities in Croatia (Osijek and Zagreb), Hungary (Pécs), Macedonia (Skopje) and Slovenia (Ljubljana, Maribor) and every year welcomes a large number of students and exchange students from the area.