ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on translation studies research that examines collaborative networks between translators, rather than translations—that is, on people and processes rather than products. Collaboration in professional working environments—and more particularly the concept of 'production networks'—has been of interest to a number of researchers. In contrast with social network analysis, actor-network theory is described as having very little to do with the study of social networks. Translation networks from any category can differ in structure and composition, depending on variables such as the kinds of shared values members may espouse, whether the network has certain membership requirements and whether the network has formal or informal means of governance. Descriptive translation studies focused on the concept of norms, the sociocultural constraints that help guide, shape and regulate translator behaviour. More research has centred on communities of translators who are linked by a commitment to shared values and who use translation to support ideologies.
