(Trans)formative theorising in legal translation and/or interpreting: a critical approach to deontological principles

This article argues for a critical, transformative approach to established principles and recurrent maxims in normative discourses in the training of legal translators and interpreters. It advocates a didactic approach going beyond the socialisation of the student in the norms and deontological principles governing the profession. The role of theorising is defended as an empowering tool for future professionals who will have to work in very diverse settings radically transformed by globalisation and migration. The significance of transformative approaches for a profession that must face unprecedented challenges is analysed and exemplified focusing on two recurrent principles expected in legal interpreting and translation: equivalence and neutrality.