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July 28, 2007

The ethics of translation in Iraq

I have just found a fascinating BBC piece on the use of translators in Iraq by US-led forces. Given the unfortunately limited language skills of many UK troops in Iraq, the translators used clearly play a significant role. They can be very important to successful operations, and many chose to take up their roles for good, idealistic reasons.

However, translators working in the US-led forces in Iraq also come under attack -- insurgent groups often see them as collaborators. There is currently an ongoing debate as to the duties owed by the various forces to those who work as translators for them. Read more about it here.

Posted by jon_mendel at July 28, 2007 12:09 AM

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