There is no denying that 2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least, namely with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic weighing down on the health, economic and social sectors, among others. In this context, the role of translators and interpreters has become more important than ever in helping local and global enterprises use the critical situation to their advantage to promote their business worldwide, work in tandem with health experts and scientists, and contribute to relief efforts by offering on and off-site interpretation. Amid a humanitarian crisis, translators and interpreters can make hard work slightly smoother.

On the occasion of International Translation Day, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized a virtual roundtable, entitled “Translation in Times of Crisis”, in order to debate these issues and better understand the position and role of translation in times of crisis, notably in Lebanon.

This event, hosted by the Department of Languages and Literatures – Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. A panel of eminent USEK alumnae will be present to share their relevant expertise and insights with students.

PROGRAM

Welcome speech:
- Dr. Ranya Salameh, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences – USEK
- Dr. Léa Yahchouchi, Head of the Interpretation and Translation Programs – USEK

Panel of speakers:
- Dr. Gisèle Al Riachi, Director of the Center for Languages and Translation – Lebanese University
- Dr. Maya El Hage, Chairperson of the Department of English and Translation – NDU
- Ms. Esmeralda Tohme, Publishing Manager, Educational Research Center – Librairie du Liban
- Ms. Nicole El Hajj, Interpreter/Translator/Lecturer – UN Organizations, International Criminal Courts, USEK
- Ms. Michella Lichaa Khoury, Lecturer at USEK, Translator at SDL and Localization Professional