Public Service Translation

This article is an overview of the concept and relevance of public service translation (PST). PST is written translation of informative texts, addressed by authorities or institutions to people who do not understand texts in the language of the text producer. PST is a means to empower linguistically disempowered groups within a society. The generalist translation of programmes available around the world are designed to provide students with a theoretical background and practical training to equip them to work as professional translators. In addition, a good understanding and awareness of intercultural issues, audience design, and text types is included. However, more specific community-based training would be more efficient for untrained practising PS translators. Accuracy in general and register appropriateness in particular have long been central issues in translation studies. PST is closely related to and involved in social action and social change.