I feel sure that most readers who are translators will already have heard about the book Found in Translation by Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche, but just in case any haven’t, and for all those who are not translators…

I’m not going to reinvent the wheel here, because a whole raft of reviews of this excellent paperback can now be found on the Internet. Just a few details, hopefully to pique your interest.

The idea behind the book was to raise awareness of the profession of translator and that of interpreter. It sets out to demonstrate how translation affects all aspects of our existence, from saving lives, protecting rights, war and peace, business, religion, pleasure and the senses, the arts and sport, to technology.

It includes a few law-related items too: stories about interpreting for the police and for the courts, interpreting for war criminals…

Here is a link to the book’s website: http://www.xl8book.com

As the authors have said – once you’ve read it yourself, do buy it as a Christmas present for the non-translators you know. Let’s try to finally turn translation and interpreting into ‘visible’ and respected professions!