Hiding in Plain Sight: The translators Plus and the Collaborative circle

This paper focuses on an aspect of collaboration hitherto little explored; yet, as mentioned elsewhere, one that has been “hiding in plain sight” (Katan & Jemielity 2021; Vashee 2021): the translator plus. The plus refers to the fact that translation is viewed as only part of the translator’s profile, and it is this plus that improves their status and their pay (especially in the premium market). We distinguish between two forms of collaboration. First, there is the relatively-well documented “horizontal collaboration”, which encompasses all collaborations between translators (working in teams), between translator and experts, focus groups, proofreaders and so on.
Secondly, there is a form of “vertical collaboration”. This type of collaboration entails active interaction, collaboration or ‘closelaboration’ (Levine 1991: 47) with the author, the commissioner and all other agents involved in the translation process – and where possible from the early stages. This means, for example, that in certain cases the source text may also be questioned and modified. The result is a move away from the habitus of a language expert whose services are commissioned, and whose work finishes with the translation, to a translator who is consulted, and who discusses options and alternatives. The translator is now an integral part of a collaborative circle. Bourdieu’s habitus theory will be used to discern those capitals most likely to move the translator from the end of the vertical chain towards the collaborative circle. To support our arguments we will refer to (1) a group of recognised translators plus and their published comments on the subject (2) personal experience working as translator of museum material (3) two global surveys of translator perception of their habitus.