CTTL E 2026

CTTL E publishes articles as soon as they pass review and the final approved version is camera ready and is fit for publication.

Textual genres and genre systems for medical and health translation training

Pilar Ezpeleta-Piorno

Universitat Jaume I of Spain

Abstract:
Translation competence has become a central topic in discussions on translator training. This article explores the pedagogical value of textual genres and genre systems in the training of medical and health translators. The argument is that genre competence — considered in its socio-communicative, formal, and cognitive dimensions — significantly contributes to the development of key components of medical translation competence, including textual and communicative proficiency, thematic and terminological knowledge, cultural awareness, and socio-professional skills. A review of major theoretical models of translation competence and current research on the specific competences required of medical translators reveals that genre-based approaches help trainees (a) understand professional communicative practices, (b) interpret the expectations of different discourse communities, and (c) produce culturally appropriate target texts. The study concludes with a proposal for a series of genre- and genre-system-based training tasks designed to strengthen translators’ versatility, contextual awareness and professional proficiency within medical communication.

Keywords: medical translator training, medical translation competence, textual genres, genre systems, genre competence

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