A faculty member of Translation Department at Cihan University Sulaimaniya, presented her topic on cultural sensitivity in translation at a national workshop held at the National Technical Institute (NIT) in January 18, 2025. The panel featured distinguished scholars discussing key challenges in translation and the role of professional translators.
The National Technical Institute (NIT) recently hosted a national workshop titled “Challenges in Translation and Key Considerations.” The event gathered experts in the field of translation, aiming to shed light on essential aspects of the profession and discuss best practices for translators.
Among the notable speakers was Lavin Mohammed Yousif, an assistant lecturer at Cihan University Sulaimaniya’s Translation Department, who delivered a presentation on cultural sensitivity in translation. Her discussion focused on how translators should be aware of cultural contexts when conveying meaning from one language to another.
The panel also included Mr. Azad Barzinji, a writer and translator, as well as the head of the publishing department at Sardam Publishing House, who spoke on the importance of selecting valuable topics for translation. He emphasized how translators can bring insightful and necessary topics to readers through their work.
Following Barzinji, Mr. Brwa Othman, a lecturer at Komar University and the head of the university’s Language Center, presented on “Becoming a Professional Translator.” He highlighted the essential qualities of a skilled translator, emphasizing the need for linguistic proficiency, deep cultural understanding, and adherence to ethical standards in translation.
Mamosta Lavin Mohammed Yousif’s presentation, titled “Cultural Sensitivity in Translation,” explored the crucial role culture plays in accurate translation. She discussed how words and phrases carry different connotations in various cultural settings, stressing that translators must be mindful of these nuances to avoid misinterpretations.
Another key topic was presented by Mr. Hemn Mohammed, a lecturer at NIT and an expert in international translation. He addressed the growing importance of creating an online identity as a translator, guiding attendees on how to establish a strong professional presence through social media and digital platforms.
The panel was moderated by Mr. Arslan Afrasiyaw, a translator and lecturer at NIT, ensuring a smooth exchange of ideas among the experts.
The workshop provided valuable insights into the evolving field of translation, highlighting both linguistic and cultural challenges. Mamosta Lavin Mohammed Yousif’s contribution on cultural awareness in translation stood out as a crucial point, emphasizing the responsibility of translators to bridge cultural gaps while maintaining the integrity of the original message.