Reality vs. idealism : comments on relationship among translator, proofreader, translation agency, and client

2 ref.

We presented a paper entlited Proofreading chinese and english translation: changing in changing times al the ATA annual conference in Atlanta last year, which aroused strong responses and stimulating discussion. therefore, as a follow-up, this paper will expand on this topic with an attempt to discuss the (controversial, but necessary) relationship between four essential parties: the translator, the proofreader, the translation agency, and the client. sensitive as the topic may be, this may be beneficial to all to bring to the open and confront some of the underlying but unspoken issues that have troubled and obstructed productivity among talentedpeople. Rather than "Keeping the cat in the bag", unveiling the mystery (or reality) will foster further stimulating discussion at the workshop among the four parties at the conference. We hope this will improve the quality of the chinese translation stateside. We also hop this will strengthen the contention that working with domestic or resident translators and proofreaders is beneficial to the translation agency and the ultimate client and a worthy investment towards quality. Within the relationship of the four parties, lie several sub-relationships: the relationship between the translation agency and the translator; between the translator and the proofreader; between the translator and proofreader and the translation agency; and the translator and proofreader and the translation agency and the client. How shall we deal with these relationship? Is it possible al all to create a congenial relationship among the parties or is it just an "idealistic" dream as some may call it? If it is possible, what are the approaches we may take to set up a congenial and workable relationship between the different parties? We understand that this topic of relationship will also involve business opportunities, confidentiality issues, professional ethics, and related cultural matters. How shall we look at and deal with these issues? How shall the parties, whith joint efforts, work towards a common goal -turning out quality translation work? These are the questions and issues we would like to address and hope to spawn productive and stimulating discussions with the audience.