Lost in Translation? – Half a century of translation studies on Czech universiti ****************************************************************************************** * Lost in Translation? – Half a century of translation studies on Czech universities ****************************************************************************************** The opening of Lost in Translation? (Ztraceni v překladu?), an exhibition dedicated to the translation and interpreting studies, took place at the Institute of Translation Studies o Arts of CU, on Sunday 10th November. Over three hundred graduates and teachers of translat as representatives of professional organisations – most importantly of the Czech Union of Translators – attended the event. The history of the Institute of Translation Studies, a university-level centre that trains interpreters in five languages (English, French, German, Russian and Spanish), began in 19 It was that year, when translation and interpreting studies were established at the Univer November (Univerzita 17. listopadu) in Prague for the very first time. “I must say, the te formed around the studies and was led by Professor Ivan Poldauf consisted of extremely cap all took their job really seriously since they realised our country lacked this type of la recalls Jana Rejšková, graduate (1968) and teacher of translatology. Translation studies had a special meaning at the University of 17th November, as the unive mainly students from developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, whereas trans studies were intended for Czech and Slovak students only. In 1969, a relatively independen Translation Studies was established at the university, with a sister institution in Bratis After the University of 17th November was dissolved in 1974, Translation Studies was trans independent department of Charles University, whereas the sister institution in Bratislava with various philological departments of Komenský University. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Translation Studies, the Institute of Translation Stu the exhibition Lost in Translation?, which focuses on three interconnected themes: history and interpreting studies, memories of the graduates and the social-political context of be or interpreter before 1989. “Interpreting was quite a hazardous occupation. We got in touch with varying kinds of very information on international level. Therefore, the State Security had a special division t spy on interpreters. They monitored our mail, who we made phone calls with, who we talked made friends with,” reads the memory of a seventy-two-year-old interpreter, Violeta Uribe, exhibition panels. The exhibition presents quite a few other similar experiences. Together they complete an a of the history of the studies – studies somehow “lost”, studies for which a possibility of education is of key importance. However short may the history of Translation Studies be, i other humanities, it shows us one thing particularly: numerous graduates of translation an regardless of whether they attended the University of 17th November or Charles University, in their field. The memories of some of them, for example Dana Hábová or Milan Dvořák, may the exhibition of the Institute of Translation Studies in Šporkův Palace (Hybernská 3, Pra June 2014. The main sponsors of the exhibition Lost in Translation? are Directorate-General for Trans Translation: Helena Hradilová is a student of Translation and Inter She is very fond of languages, meeting new people and University. To further support Erasmus students in exp maintain contact between students of different culture Proofreading: Poppy Gerrard-Abbott is an Erasmus student studying BA write for the iForum to build on her journalism skills Czech culture and life in Prague through attending loc Poppy saw the iForum as an exciting opportunity to pur experience that has brought some exciting opportunitie such placements to future students.