As part of the 14th Professional Communication and Translation Studies (PCTS) International Conference, held at Politehnica University of Timișoara, we had the honor of welcoming Mr. Valter Mavrič, Director-General of the Translation Service (DG TRAD) at the European Parliament. Renowned for his visionary leadership and dedication to multilingual inclusivity, Mr. Mavrič's contributions to this year’s conference left an indelible mark on all attendees.
Mr. Mavrič underscored the pivotal role of translation as a bridge across linguistic and cultural divides, enabling mutual understanding and fostering cooperation in a globalized world. Within the European Parliament, where 24 official languages reflect the voices of its member states, translation ensures inclusivity and democracy. It empowers every EU citizen to access information and actively participate in legislative processes, thus preserving unity while celebrating diversity.
In his plenary speech, “Automated Translation and its Performance with Clear Language: The European Parliament’s Case Study,” Mr. Mavrič delved into the cutting-edge integration of machine translation in managing a vast multilingual environment. By sharing a unique case study, he highlighted the impact of clear language guidelines on the quality, fidelity, and effectiveness of automated translations, emphasizing how technology and human expertise coexist to enhance communication.
In addition, Mr. Mavrič hosted an interactive talk, “Multilingualism in the European Parliament,” during which he explored the intricacies of managing multilingual communication at one of the world’s most linguistically diverse institutions. This session provided attendees with valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and innovations that underpin the Parliament’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all EU citizens.
Politehnica University of Timișoara is proud to have hosted such a distinguished speaker and leader at PCTS 14. Mr. Mavrič's interventions not only enriched the intellectual discourse of the conference but also inspired participants to continue exploring the transformative power of translation in bridging cultures and fostering understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.
