In search of a norm? Training ‘sworn translators’ and Kodeks tłumacza

Abstract

The paper discusses the issue of translator training and pedagogy in the Polish context, seeking an answer to the question how to educate the so-called sworn translators. The first part of the paper brings a brief outline of the Act of Nov. 24, 2004 which stipulates the terms and conditions of becoming a sworn translator in the Republic of Poland. A needs analysis carried out among translator trainees serves as the basis for the second part. The research results indicate that future translators adopt a “terminological approach” (Tryuk 2006) towards translation, stressing that the acquisition of specialist vocabulary should be, in their view, the main constituent of their training. They also expect a set of clear guidelines both on the level of linguistic/terminological equivalence and of professional norms concerning the activity of the sworn translator. Kodeks tłumacza (The Code of the Sworn Translator) is therefore a useful methodological tool, providing answers about formal, legal and ethical issues involved. While such professional norms can be dealt with the help of the aforementioned publication, providing answers about terminological equivalence and translational norms in general is a more complex issue. The educator’s task cannot be reduced to providing ready-made solutions. His or her task is also to sensitize translator trainees to the existence of translational norms, to demonstrate how these should affect the translator decision making process and, last but not least, to teach translation skills, understood as the ability to acquire the necessary background/specialist knowledge to prepare a particular translation.