the position of translation in Iran: Occupation, Semi-profession, or Profession

The concept of profession has long been discussed in the sociological discourse. Many definitions have been proposed for this concept, each of which introduces a set of characteristics for a profession. These characteristics include having a strong knowledge based on university training, controlling access to the profession, having a code of ethics and obligatory professional development through inservice trainings. However, regarding the translation profession, only a few studies have been conducted. A research conducted by Godbout (2008) has focused on the position of translation in Canada. The current study uses the framework proposed by Godbout to evaluate the professional status of translation in the context of Iran. This evaluation is based on information provided by encyclopedias, official websites, personal observations and experiences, and informal interviews with 10 working translators. The results of the authors' evaluation indicate that translation in Iran is still an occupation with one or two of its features getting near to the professional standards. In order to promote the status of the translation profession , statesmen should make legislations for controlling admission and access to the translation profession through giving certificates and licenses and translation associations must develop training programs and take into consideration the university degree of the applicants.

Keywords:

Iran , occupation , profession , translation , translation studies