2nd Jordan International Conference on Translation (JICOT 2) 2010

Translation: Science, Art, or Skill?

15-18 November, 2010

Petra University, Jordan

The 2nd JICOT was held at Petra University in Amman, Jordan from 16-18 November 2010. Petra University was chosen to be the host, together with JTA and the Ministry of Culture under the patronage of Professor Adnan Badran, Jordanian Senator, President of Petra University, and Honorary president of JTA.

Objectives

The aim of JICOT2 was to bring together theoreticians and educators from areas of translation and interpreting in order to exchange ideas on issues of interest to the attendees. Distinguishing speakers from the Arab World and outside explored the theoretical and practical issues of the Conference.

The title of the Conference–Translation: Science, Art, or Skill? expresses the organizers intent to answer the question whether the translation of Arabic to other languages is a science, skill, art or all of them. This often constitutes part of the argument as to whether translation can be taught or not.

Theorists of translation, linguists, professors and students of translation, lexicographers, editors, educators, among others attended the conference.

Themes: Scientific vs. Literary translation; Linguistics and Translation; Translation Theories; Translation: practical aspects; Technical Translation; and Translation and Interpreting.

Speakers: six distinguished guest speakers were invited from outside Jordan.

Some remarks are provided below by some contributors from outside Jordan:

Prof. Mohammed Farghal of Kuwait University says: "It was a great, well-organized conference. It should be done every year. This will add to the reputation and professionalism of the Jordanian Translators' Association as well as Petra University. The facilities were excellent and the program was very clear".

Prof. Inaam Bioud, Director of The Arab Higher Institute for Translation in Algeria said: "Congratulations on the excellent organization of the Conference". The facilities are impressive ".

Prof. Myriam Salama-Carr of Salford University (UK) commented: "The Conference was well organized and many thanks are due to the organizers and the host institution for the way they looked after the participants and for their warm welcome".

Dr. Khadija Merrakichi of Surrey University (UK) said: "Good organization, warm welcome and very friendly hosts. Program was well organized ".

Dr. Aitsiselmi of London Polytechnic University (UK) commented: Excellent organization. The equipment was impressive. I appreciated having the possibility to use computer in the library. The breaks were well organized and the lunches were excellent. The Conference was very well organized and the organizers must be congratulated for a job very well done. The students belonging to the organization were very helpful.

A few critical remarks were also offered and are noted below.

- The opening session should have been translated into English and French;

- It is always difficult to make a choice when there are parallel sessions;

- The absence of some participants changed the schedule and sometimes we wanted to attend a presentation but another speaker was talking instead; and

- The Hall needed better ventilation.