Invisible and unknown agents in Slovak diplomatic interpreting

Abstract

This study examines diplomatic interpreting and translation in Slovakia with a focus on the actors involved in the translation process and the mechanisms of translation quality control at the highest state level. Drawing on sociologically oriented translation studies and the concept of “unknown agents” (Schäffner 2012), the article situates diplomatic interpreting within its broader political, institutional, and ideological context. The theoretical part outlines the specificities of diplomatic communication, core interpreter competences, issues of translational adequacy, pragmatic shifts, and the systematic invisibility of interpreters in political and media discourse. The empirical part presents partial findings based on document analysis and requests submitted to the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs during the period 2024–2025.