The work of independent translators in France and Brazil: dimensions and ambivalences of autonomy

Abstract

This article presents the results of an empirical analysis of the perception of autonomy at work among independent translators in two countries: France and Brazil. Our aim is to speculate whether the autonomy and independence of translators, apart from being a real process – previously noted in the literature – of fragilization and precariousness, could be considered a mutation of the value of labor in modern capitalist societies. The concept of autonomy is discussed, and then an analytical framework is constructed for examining the perception of autonomy at work relating to three dimensions: 1) operational; 2) identitary; and 3) social. The translation markets and their professional regulations in both countries are presented. Then, based on the developed framework, we carry out an analysis of the in-depth interviews conducted with the translation professionals in Brazil and in France. The results are presented at the end of the article, giving rise to a reflection on the perceptions of autonomy in the contemporary context of labor activities, from a perspective inspired by Axel Honneth’s theoretical work.