• The first comprehensive guide to a crucial aspect of communication in government, commerce, and international relations
• Covers every aspect from legal and diplomatic interpretation to the translation of fiction, science, and sacred texts
• Describes the field’s history from the classical world to the digital age
• Covers training and pedagogy
• Explains the role of machine translation

This book covers the history of the theory and practice of translation from Cicero to the digital age. It examines all major processes of translation, offers critical accounts of current research, and compares competing theoretical perspectives. It considers all kinds of translation from sacred texts, poetry, fiction, and sign language to remote, consecutive, and simultaneous interpretation in legal, diplomatic, and commercial contexts. The two opening parts of the book consider the history of translation theory and central concepts in the study of translation. Parts III, IV, and V cover the written text, the interpretation of speech and sign language, and the role of translation in mixed-mode and multimedia contexts. Part VI considers the contributions and challenges of information technology including the uses and limitations of machine technology. The final part looks at the teaching and training of translators and interpreters. The book concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and index.

Designed as a state-of-the-art reference and practical guide the book will serve the needs of all those involved in translation, whether as professional translators and interpreters, researchers in translation studies and allied disciplines, or as undergraduate or postgraduate students. This is, in sum, an essential work in a vibrant, fast-moving, and fascinating field.

Readership: All those involved in translation, including professional translators and interpreters, researchers in translation studies and allied disciplines, and undergraduate or postgraduate students, as well as those employed to provide translation services in government and international relations.