The Association of Translator and Interpreter Trainers: Building a Network of Teaching Excellence

Abstract

Existing national and international associations of freelance translators and interpreters are predominantly business-oriented and aim to promote networking with other professionals, protect their rights and ensure quality of services. They show little interest, if any, in translator and interpreter training issues. Associations of translator and interpreter trainers are almost non-existent both nationally and internationally. In view of the recent establishment of the World Interpreter and Translator Training Association (2016) in China, the paper discusses the advantages and benefits of having independent national professional organizations of translator and interpreter trainers as an important foundation for creating a national community of translator and interpreter educators and trainers and advancing international cooperation. The authors analyze their experience of establishing the Association of Translator and Interpreter Trainers (2017) in Russia as a national network of excellence in this area.