How to research EU translation?

Abstract

When applied to the practice of translating for the European institutions, several central concepts of translation studies are seen in a different light. Work at these institutions reveal unexpected complexities which have implications for translation theory. Researching EU translation can thus be used as a test case against which to measure and refine the theoretical apparatus of translation theory. At the same time, research can support practice by providing a theoretically informed global view of the everyday work of EU translators. In this article, my aim is to instigate critical interaction between translation theory and the practice of EU translation. Taking a closer look at some central concepts, such as source and target texts and cultures, the notion of equivalence, and translators ‘ visibility, I wish to indicate some avenues for future research.