Defining national translation capacity: a comprehensive framework for analyzing translation at country level

Abstract

ABSTRACT Employing relevant concepts from studies on National Language Capacity (NLC), State-sponsored Translation Program (STP) and institutional translation, this paper proposes a comprehensive framework of National Translation Capacity (NTC) for the analysis of translation activities at the country level, and discusses its notion, its sub-components and how the sub-components interact with each other. NTC refers to the overall capacity of all relevant actors (both individuals and institutions) of a country in developing infrastructure for translation activities, providing translation services, and promoting translation undertakings. It consists of four interrelated and mutually reinforcing sub-capacities: translation management, translation services, translation dissemination and translation development. The proposed framework on NTC has the following implications: it can broaden the interdisciplinary scope of translation studies and be used to explore how a country's translation capacity contributes to its cultural power and economic power. It also offers a better understanding of the important value of country-specific translation activities and capacities in protecting and promoting national, regional and global linguistic and cultural diversity.