Translating Saudi Vision 2030 into Reality: A Grounded Theory Analysis into its Impact on Translators and the Professional Translation Sector

Abstract

Saudi Vision 2030 is a transformative developmental plan aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil. While translation practices in the country have been historically significant—particularly due to Saudi Arabia’s unique location and its role in facilitating Hajj and Umrah—their professionalisation received little scholarly attention until the 1990s. Research since then has primarily focused on translator training and academic translation programmes, with limited attention given to the professionalisation of the sector in light of Saudi Vision 2030. The aim of this study is to explore the role of translation in realising Saudi Vision 2030 and examine the Vision’s impact on the professional translation sector and translators in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this goal, the study follows the Straussian grounded theory (SGT) approach, integrating a multi-modal textual analysis using visual grammar theory to analyse the multimodality of the Vision’s data such as the Saudi Vision 2030 website (2016) and the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030: A Story of Transformation booklet (2021). This method is triangulated with semi-structured interviews conducted during fieldwork with experienced Saudi professional translators. After setting the context of the thesis by discussing the Saudi Vision’s background, the thesis begins by theoretically exploring the concept of translation in the Vision, which explores the forms of translation integrated into realising it. More specifically, this thesis highlights interlingual translation as a key facilitator in realising Saudi Vision 2030 along with other types of translations (intralingual, intersemiotic, and non-lingual translations). This conceptualisation of translation reveals translation’s integral place and role in bringing the Vision to life. The impact of this realisation on the professionalism of the translation sector is discussed highlighting the reforms in the sector including the development of a strategic plan for the translation sector to rectify the state of translation in Saudi Arabia in terms of training translators, publishing translated work, developing a code of ethics, and using technology in translation practices. Finally, the thesis’s discussion of the Vision’s implications for Saudi translators and their sector reveals the nuances of views on Saudi Vision 2030 and building a professional translation sector. More importantly, it reveals the translators’ aspirations about the future of the translation sector.