Exclusive cooperation between YSU and the University of Verona. An international conference held

In October, Armenia celebrates the Day of Translators, before which, from September 27 to 29, a scientific conference was held at YSU, to create a platform for the discussion of many topical issues related to mediated translation.

Within the framework of the conference, the participants discussed issues related to the translation of literary-artistic, scientific literature, textbooks, machine, audio-visual, and oral translation, as well as the translation and dubbing of subtitles.

The launch of the conference was announced in Yerevan's Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran, and the sessions of the next two days were held at Yerevan State University.

Ruzanna Ghazaryan, head of the YSU Translation Theory and Practice Chair, and the organizer of the conference, presented some details, “The conference was solemnly launched in the Yerevan Matenadaran because it bears the name of Mesrop Mashtots, and M. Mashtots was the first Armenian translator. The first book that was translated into Armenian was the Bible, and, interestingly, the translation was done through a mediated language. The idea of organizing an international conference arose a year ago and became a reality this year, bringing together 60 famous representatives of the field from prestigious universities of the world. They referred to the current issues of the field, at the same time highlighting the role and importance of translation”.

Translation studies have penetrated almost all fields, including culture, science, art, and media. It is very important what we expect from the translator and what standards we set. The translator is an equal character to the author, often even the owner of a greater mission. He must have a great sense of responsibility, and be able to transfer the given context or message from one culture to another.

Foreign scientists also spoke about their impressions.

Professor of Translation Studies, and the conference keynote speaker Theo Hermans noted, “Yerevan State University is a platform of wide opportunities. It is an honor to be here, participate in this conference, discuss and raise many interesting issues with other internationally renowned scientists”.

Lecturer at Kent State University Brian James Baer said, “During the conference, I presented a report dedicated to the methods and features of translation, as well as the influence of extralinguistic factors on the translation. I am extremely impressed by my visit to YSU. I hope that we will establish cooperative relations with YSU scientists and other participants of the conference, implementing joint projects in the future”.

It should be noted that in the spring of 2022 the Chair of Translation Theory and Practice of Yerevan State University, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature of the University of Verona, within the framework of which joint seminars, webinars, lectures and a number of other educational programs and scientific events are held.

Since its establishment, the chair has been carrying out a rich educational and scientific activity in the Faculty of European Languages and Communication, not only training skilled translators but also publishing textbooks, study manuals, artistic translations, monographs, and articles. In 2019 The Chair of Translation Theory and Practice founded "Translation Studies: Theory and Practice", an international scientific periodical, which is the only scientific journal dedicated to translation issues in Armenia.

The video about the conference is here