[Event] Framing, Drafting, Sketching Hans J. Vermeer’s Theoretical Proposal to Translation Studies 23-25 November 2018

Framing, Drafting, Sketching: Hans J. Vermeer’s Theoretical Proposal to Translation Studies

23-25 November 2018, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany

 

Call for Papers

It was almost 40 years ago that Hans J. Vermeer published his ground-breaking article entitled “A Framework for a General Theory of Translation” [Ein Rahmen für eine allgemeine Translationstheorie (1978)] in which, for the first time, he outlined his functionalist approach for a wide specialised readership. After initially being the subject of considerable controversy, this approach has become a theoretical mainstay in Translation Studies. As a consequence of the canonisation of Vermeer’s work, his theoretical contribution is usually reduced to the systematic establishment of a functionalist framework. However, Vermeer himself opposed this reduction. In particular, his ‘other’ publications (in translation history, translation education, translation ethics, and the philosophy of Translation Studies) reveal his commitment to an open approach to theory development in Translation Studies. By entitling his works “attempts”, “drafts” or “sketches“, he explicitly refers to the provisional nature of scientific knowledge, and encourages thinking along with, thinking beyond, and thinking differently from his ideas.

This conference takes the upcoming 40th anniversary of Vermeer’s ‘framework’ article as an opportunity to address his call. Hence, its purpose is not to offer a mere appraisal and examination of Vermeer’s achievements. Instead, the objective is to select certain ideas that are not immediately associated with the canonised Vermeer and to use them as a vantage point for new, perhaps even surprising reflections that further his efforts to frame, draft, and sketch a theory of translation.

Instead of suggesting general topics to align the contributions with the design of the conference, we propose some direct quotes by Vermeer representing the variety and diversity of his work. These are not meant to be read merely with, but also against the grain. Hence, the focus of the conference will be placed on reading Vermeer differently; a reading that can be used for debate within the field of Translation Studies. What we are looking for are creative contributions which, starting from the perspective of one of the following quotations, deal dialogically with Vermeer’s work or specific aspects of it.

We invite all researchers who are interested in Hans J. Vermeer´s work to join us in this conference!

The conference languages will be English and German.

Prospective presenters can submit their abstract (300 words) of a individual communication here. The standard time for a presentation is 20 minutes plus 10 minutes discussion. Deadline for abstracts: 15.04.2018.

Abstracts will be peer reviewed and selected by our scientific committee. Notification of acceptance: 31.05.2018.

Participants can also attend the conference without giving a paper.

Key Dates

Deadline for the abstract submission: 15.04.2018
Notification of acceptance: 31.05.2018
Beginning of early-bird registration: 01.06.2018
Deadline for early-bird registration: 15.07.2018
Beginning of regular registration: 16.07.2018
Deadline for regular registration: 15.10.2018
Deadline for payment of the conference fee: 15.10.2018
Announcement of program and keynote speakers: October 2018
Conference in Germersheim: 23th-25th November 2018

Conference fee

The conference fee is

  • 60,00 € for early-bird registration (from 01.06.2018 to 15.07.2018)
  • 80,00 € for regular registration (from 16.07.2018 to 15.10.2018)
  • Students (including doctoral students) can attend the conference for free.

The deadline for payment is 15.10.2018.  If you cancel your registration before this date, any fee already paid will be refunded. From 16.10.2018, no refund will be given.

The conference fee includes:

  • conference pack
  • cultural programme
  • coffee/tea breaks

Please transfer the conference fee into the following account:

  • Account holder: Landeshochschulkasse Mainz
  • Bank name: Deutsche Bundesbank Filiale Mainz
  • IBAN: DE25 5500 0000 0055 0015 11
  • BIC: MARKDEF 1550
  • Purpose of Transfer: 6101 28286 9705006

When making your payment, please bear in mind the following:

  • The purpose of transfer is essential and must be entered correctly. Otherwise, we will not receive your payment.
  • Please ensure that any bank fees are charged to your account, so that we receive the full amount of the conference fee.
  • Unfortunately, payments via credit card, PayPal, or check are not accepted.