《书评--Research Training in Translation Studies》.pdf

The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 3(1), 2009, 1-12 ISBN 978-1-905763-12-2 Research Training in Translation Studies IAN MASON Heriot Watt University, UK Abstract. Doctoral work in translation studies has grown in volume over recent years, not only in Europe and America but also worldwide. A concomitant trend has been the requirement for research training, either within or as preparation for doctoral programmes, and many generic and discipline-specific training packages are now offered in a wide variety of institutions. But what are the characteristics of doctoral work in the broad field of translation studies and what kinds of area-specific training are appropriate? In a domain characterized by methodological heterogeneity and beset by problems of achieving consensus on what constitutes its object of study, is there a common core that could inform the design of a training course for doctoral research in translation studies? In presenting the contributions to this special issue of ITT, this introductory article argues that, provided research designs are clear, consistent and internally coherent, there will be no need to force individual studies into a common mould. Correspondingly, the goal of mutual understanding and respect will best be served by introducing doctoral students to a full range of theoretical perspectives, empirical tools and methods, among which they will be enabled to perceive the relative scope and effectiveness of those they have selected. Keywords. Doctoral training, Doctoral programme, PhD, Translation studies, Discipline, Object of study, Empirical, Postmodernist, Research methods. The growth of translation studies (TS) as an area of academic enquiry in the western world over the las