The 5th International Symposium on Translation and Its Future Held at KTMU
The Department of Translation of the Faculty of Humanities at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) organized the 5th International Symposium on Translation and Its Future on October 23, 2025, as part of the university’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The opening ceremony of the symposium, held at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall, was attended by Deputy Rector of KTMU Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık, Head of the Department of Translation Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saltanat Mambaeva, Prof. Dr. Esenjan Abubakirov from the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Muhtar Davletov from the B. Yunusaliev Institute of Linguistics, as well as numerous academicians and students.
The program began with the national anthems of both countries, followed by the screening of the Manas University promotional film.
Delivering the opening speech, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev emphasized the importance of accuracy, depth of meaning, and contextual appropriateness in translation, sharing examples from his professional experience. Highlighting that the multilingual structure of Manas University adds unique richness to translation studies, Prof. Dr. Ibraev noted that translation will remain a vital field even if certain professions disappear in the future. He stated: "Language exists together with humankind; artificial intelligence cannot fully reflect human emotional and cultural depth. Translation is not merely the transfer of words—it is the transmission of cultures, values, and ways of thinking."
In his speech, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık emphasized that translation is not merely a transfer between languages but a multifaceted process requiring the accurate conveyance of culture, values, and perspectives. Stressing that translators act as cultural bridges, Prof. Dr. Aşık noted that artificial intelligence and technological developments have brought a supportive dimension to translation processes, making the symposium particularly significant.
During the symposium, participants from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia presented their latest research on translation studies and practices. Topics discussed in the opening sessions included “Challenges in the Translation of Project Documentation,” “Being (or Not Being) a Translator in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” “The Role of Stylistics in the Translation Process,” and “The Issue of Purism in Language and Translation Processes in Kyrgyzstan.” These discussions addressed contemporary trends and challenges in the field.
Held over two days in both online and in-person formats, the event served as an important platform for academics and students to discuss contemporary translation practices, share experiences, and strengthen international cooperation.
The symposium concluded on October 24, 2025, with a closing session and the presentation of certificates to participants.
