Translation, Culture and Globalisation: The Translator's Role as Cultural Mediator

Abstract

The identifiable relations between translation, culture and globalisation highlight the role of the translator as a cultural mediator. This article, inspired by David Katan's "Translating Cultures", attempts to explain the concept of culture. Two models of culture are also analysed: Trompenaars' Layer Model and Edward T. Hall's Triad Model of Culture. Finally, in discussing the influence of globalisation on the diffusion and proliferation of culture, the example of "MacDonaldisation" and the importance of the translator as a cultural mediator are analysed.