Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Moorkens, J.
2020
August
TRANSLATION SPACES
“A tiny cog in a large machine”: Digital Taylorism in the Translation Industry
Published
0 ()
Optional Fields
Translation industry, digital Taylorism, business ethics, labour sociology, sustainable work systems
9
1
12
34
Translators have worked with the assistance of computers for many years, usually translating whole texts, divided into segments but in sequential order. In order to maximise efficiency and inspired by similar moves in the tech industry and predictions for Industry 4.0, large translation companies have begun to break tasks down into smaller chunks and to rigidly define and monitor translation processes. This is particularly true of platform-mediated work, highly collaborative workflows, and multimedia work that requires near-live turnaround times. This article considers such workflows in the context of measures of job satisfaction and discussion of sustainable work systems, proposing that companies prioritise long-term returns and attempt to balance the needs of all stakeholders in a translation process. Translators and translator trainers also have a role to play in achieving this balance.
Amsterdam
https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/ts.00019.moo
10.1075/ts.00019.moo
Grant Details