Ethnography, broadly understood as qualitative methods involving observation, coexistence, conversations, and reflections with groups of people over time, is a cornerstone of anthropological research. Ethnographic Methods in Translation offers the first extensive methodological reflection on what ethnographic methods can contribute to the study of translation and interpreting in society, providing an essential guide with procedural and practical advice for researchers.

Presenting key concepts, issues, and ideas concerning the use of ethnographic methods in translation and interpreting studies, the chapters draw on the author's recent research and key examples from a growing body of scholarship. The volume explores the various stages of an ethnographic project, from developing research questions to conducting fieldwork through observation and interviews, concluding with reflections on data analysis and writing ethnographic accounts. Throughout, it examines which aspects of ethnography are most relevant or challenging for translation studies research while addressing key opportunities and practical implementation strategies.

The book is grounded in real-life experience, both from conducting research and supervising research students, while also drawing from available scholarship in both ethnography in general and translation studies specifically. This is the essential text for all researchers in translation and interpreting studies seeking to adopt an ethnographic approach.

Andrea Ciribuco is a lecturer in Italian at the University of Galway, Ireland and co-director of the Centre for Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism.