RUDN: RUDN becomes member of the International Federation of Translators FIT-IFT

The World Legislative Congress of the International Federation of Translators (FIT-IFT) officially approved the membership of RUDN University.
May 30–31, Cuba hosted the statutory congress of the International Federation of Translators (FIT-IFT). The World Society of Professional Translators holds such a congress once every three years. The COVID-19 pandemic adjusted plans, and the congress scheduled for 2020 did not take place until 2022.

“Membership in FIT-IFT is the recognition of the organization’s professional and academic reputation, it indicates that a translation association or educational institution implements internationally recognized standards for professional translation activities or educational standards for training specialists,” said Anastasia Atabekova, RUDN Vice-Rector for Multilingual Development, official representative of RUDN University in FIT-IFT.

The forum considered official ratification of applications for membership in FIT, which came from national translation organizations and universities. RUDN Supervisory Board approved the application in September 2020, after which it was sent to the Council of the International Federation of Translators.

The governing bodies of the Federation reviewed the information on the educational programs for training translators at RUDN University and the text of the RUDN Charter for compliance with the goals and objectives of the Federation. Then the university received a preliminary positive decision. However, the legal decision on the membership of applicants is made by the FIT-IFT congress by voting of all permanent members of the Federation. It was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic and took place only on May 30–31, 2022.

FIT-IFT activities include expert, analytical, project work of a number of committees and working groups on translation issues; scientific research, the results of which are published in the internationally recognized scientific journal Babel; educational events from member organizations; informal professional contacts between members on all possible issues affecting translation practice, expertise, and scientific analysis.

“Membership in FIT-IFT gives RUDN teachers and students the opportunity to participate in professionally oriented events and projects in the field of translation and interpreting, contributes to the expansion of professional contacts, the involvement of foreign partners in the scientific and educational environment of RUDN University, ensures awareness of the members of the Federation about key trends, prospects, challenges and ways to overcome them in the field of the professional translation industry”, said Anastasia Atabekova, RUDN Vice-Rector for Multilingual Development, RUDN University Official Representative in FIT-IFT.