The paper titled "Revisiting the Notions of Translation Ethics in Saudi Arabia: A Survey of Translators' Perceptions" focuses on exploring the ethical challenges faced by translators in Saudi Arabia and the need for a professional code of ethics in the translation field. The study aims to investigate the perceptions of translators regarding various ethical issues, the frequency of these challenges, and the importance they assign to them, ultimately advocating for the establishment of a localized code of ethics that considers the unique sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia.
The purpose of the study is to address the absence of a standardized code of ethics for translators in Saudi Arabia by examining the ethical dilemmas translators face in their professional work. The research specifically seeks to uncover the frequency and importance of these ethical challenges and to understand the translators' views on the appropriate ethical responses, whether they are professional, personal, or sociopolitical.
The study employs a quantitative methodology, using a self-completed survey administered to forty professional translators working in various sectors in Saudi Arabia. The survey is designed to assess the frequency and importance of eleven identified ethical dimensions and to categorize the respondents' ethical motivations into professional, personal, or sociopolitical categories. Descriptive analysis is used to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the frequency and importance of the ethical challenges faced by the translators.
Key findings of the study reveal that translators in Saudi Arabia encounter ethical challenges with moderate frequency, with the most common issues relating to professional development, translators' rights, and maintaining professional relationships. The study also finds that, while all eleven ethical dimensions are considered important by the respondents, there is a significant variation in how frequently these issues are experienced. Interestingly, the study shows that professional ethics dominate the translators' ethical responses, followed by personal and sociopolitical ethics, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of ethical decision-making in the field of translation.
The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a professional code of ethics tailored to the Saudi context, reflecting the translators' experiences and ethical challenges. The findings suggest that such a code should encompass not only professional ethics but also consider the personal and sociopolitical responsibilities of translators. The study's implications are significant, as they call for the development of ethical guidelines that align with the cultural and professional realities of Saudi Arabia, thereby enhancing the professionalism and ethical standards of the translation industry in the country.