Taking a technological turn: The making of A Dictionary of Translation Technology

Abstract

This paper is a reflection of the author’s experience in completing his recent publication entitled <i>A Dictionary of Translation Technology</i>. It is shown in this paper that the prevalence of information technology in the present age has brought about three major changes in the field of translation: the emergence of corpus-based translation studies, the coming of a technological turn in translation, and the creation of proactive translation studies. Corpora have provided a solid basis for scientific generalisations to be made, concepts formed, and methods created. The emergence of a technological turn in translation is supported by the growth of the discipline through a number of approaches and turns, by the organisation of conferences on computer translation, and by works on translation technology in the last decade. Looking ahead, proactive translation studies will be a major area of research for translation scholars as this prospective approach will prepare us better for the changes and transformation that will take place on a global scale in the near future. In the last section, Hong Kong is used as an example to illustrate how proactive translation studies in the academic and regional context can contribute to the continued growth of Hong Kong as an international city.