FIT-Belgrado 1990 - J. Zabaleta

1. M. Zabaleta, General Secretary of E.I.Z.I.E. (Association of Translators, Correctors and Interpreters of the Basque Language) and delegate of this association in the XIIth World Congress of International Translators’ Federation, held during the first weeks of August 1990 in Belgrade, during which this association was accepted as a full member of said Federation, criticises the process followed for presenting this candidature, from the moment in which the E.I.Z.I.E. 1989 Annual Assembly agreed to present its candidature to the International Federation, up to the time of the Congress itself.

– Presentation of the candidature.

– Documents submitted.

– Defence of the candidature.

– Voting.

– Criticism of the Statutory Congress of the ITF.

– Appointments.

– Appointment of the presidency of the Medium and Languages.

He also offers a criticism of the open –academic– congress resulting from the statutory congress, with its different seminars, corresponding to the different commissions of the ITF, and the presentation of subjects.

He finishes by analyzing the consequences which the new situation as member of the ITF and the presidency of the Medium and Small Language Commission have had for the association of which he is general secretary.

These facts have been seen within the translators’ association as a demonstration of encouragement and a show of confidence on behalf of the International Federation, as well as being a new responsibility incurred with respect to the translators of a large number of countries. Being member of the ITF reflects a sense of solidarity with translators in other countries. At the same time, however, as if to alleviate the responsibility which it represents, the two-fold advantage in being, on the one hand, in contact with a great number of people with a variety of experiences in translation work, the tremendous amount of information which it generates and the new prospects which this type of contact provides - the possibility for study courses, exchanges, etc. - not only for Basque translators, but for Basque culture in general; and on the other hand, the higher level of acceptance which is created as a consequence of this recognition from abroad within Basque society itself as well as its political and cultural institutions, a fact which at once has become apparent due to the different reception which has been given to this association since its return from the congress.

The author concludes by stating that this aspect of the external relations of E.I.Z.I.E. does not in any way constitute a secondary aim, an external activity of the association, but that it is linked to the activity of translation, which is a natural dimension of the profession, and is, for this reason, necessary. Far from diverting effort from associated work, it strengthens and provides the backbone for this activity. The association feels stronger due to this new dimension and for this reason understands that it must continue in the same direction, by increasing its efforts cooperation with other translators and benefiting from this sense of solidarity.