Bridging the gap between academic translation programs and industry demands: Stakeholders’ perspectives on future directions

Abstract

Recent trends in the translation industry have paved way for the academic translation programs to embrace more sophisticated approaches to train translators. This shift in pedagogical approach is to prepare and equip translation students to develop and enhance their translation competencies to suit the current market demands in the industry. However, this research aims to explore the perspectives of relevant stakeholders in the translation industry on the potential areas for enhancement and future directions that can improve the consistency between academic translation training and industry demands. Regarding the objectives of this research, the total number of ninety-seven (97) individuals who participated in this research were administered a survey form, wherein they shared their opinions. Through the use of quantitative method, the research highlighted relevant insights from the participants’ responses including, academic curriculum relevance, industry cooperation, soft skill development, and continuous professional development (CPD). The results stress the need to expose translation trainees to current translation technologies during training, encouraging collaboration with translation companies, and putting an emphasis on the development of crucial soft skills. Above all, the research emphasized the adoption of a more learner-centered pedagogical approach in academic translation programs. With this approach, translation students are better equipped with the necessary competence to meet the needs of the dynamic translation market.