dc.description.abstract | Professional translators in Norway have existed since the final period of the Union between Norway and
Denmark through an Order in Council in 1800. The first national translators’ exam (Translatøreksamen) was
arranged in 1923, and then until 1975, at irregular intervals. Since 1979, the translators’ exam has been arranged
annually at the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH), which in 1986 was given
the responsibility for both preparing and organising the exam. An examination supervisor was also appointed.
From the year 2003 NHH has been given the authority to authorise candidates.
Since the 1980s the translators’ exam has undergone important changes. From being a one-day exam to a twoday
exam (1991), a one-way authorisation was implemented in 1999. Since the year 2001 candidates must have a
3-year higher education pursuant to an EEA directive. As of 2004 candidates are informed in advance about the
domain for the technical text. Recently, a discussion forum has also been established as a service to candidates in
addition to individual guidance. In 2005 the first language-independent course will be arranged covering topics
related to social conditions in Norway. This course is aimed especially at candidates in languages other than
English, French, German and Spanish.
The national translators’ exam is demanding both when it comes to language skills and special domain
competence. The Department of Professional and Intercultural Communication at NHH may offer the candidates
an insight into necessary strategies for how to handle the various tasks, especially when it comes to LSP-related
issues, for instance how to find and apply relevant sources and references. At the same time it is vital for the
department to maintain and develop not only special knowledge, but also knowledge of how special languages
and social issues develop in Norway and in other, relevant language societies. | nb_NO |