ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the broad functions that language mediation has provided in warfare, from the Bronze Age to the wars of the 20th century. It provides the shifting roles and status of translators and interpreters, and analyses the important changes that have taken place in the 21st century. The requirement for translation is inherent in warfare, since, with the exception of civil wars, most wars are fought between countries that speak and write in different languages. Translators required more literate skills and dealt with more formal documents. They were usually from educated backgrounds and held higher social status as a result. The chapter discusses the lack of research into languages in warfare, and reviews work that has begun to throw light on the area. It suggests that strategic and technological changes in the nature of warfare are likely to involve a more prominent role for languages.
