The Community of Practice

‘Trans/Actions: Translation as Activism’ is a community-driven project, which considers the intersections of activism (acts of solidarity) and translation, understood in their broadest sense, from a theoretical and practical perspective.

We’re always looking for new members! Our Community of Practice is open to anyone with an interest in translation, interpreting, activism, creative practice, and the points at which these intersect. We welcome all who would like to find out more about what we’re doing, or become actively involved in events or activities, to contact us at trans.actions.taa@gmail.com. You can join the mailing list and be first to hear about upcoming events and meetings, and find like-minded people to connect with. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Project

Launched with the support of the Future Humanities Institute in University College Cork, this project seeks to create a Community of Practice on translation as activism that works for its members, providing spaces to discuss challenges facing all those involved in this area of work and seeking collective methods to improve supports and practices across the field. Members of the community of practice become co-researchers and together decide on the actions to be taken by the group.

Aims

Our aims are under consideration by the whole community, but currently include:

  • Support activist translators and practitioners through skills development and training opportunities, as well as community-building.  

  • Provide a space for exchange between academics, translators and creative practitioners, focusing on those who are un(der)paid, rather than more traditional engagement with industry.  

  • Encourage academics, public service members and healthcare professionals to take on a more activist role through community engagement, and create a space to reflect on the ways in which they can or have been activists in their roles. 

Outcomes

  • Inaugural event to constitute Community of Practice and identify initial steps and priorities 

  • Artwork: Graphic recording of the outcomes of the inaugural workshop  

  • Relationships: Connections with community groups/members working with migrants and the deaf community in Cork. Links with academics in Ireland with an interest in translation and/as activism, and with professional translators/interpreters. 

  • Project website showcasing outcomes and community art, serving as a hub for the community and housing the resources hub for the community of practice. 

The gifs above were created by Megan Luddy as part of the Graphic Recording of our Inaugural Event