Dr. Irem Ayan

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Irem Ayan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies at the University of British Columbia. She holds a Ph.D. in Translation Studies from Binghamton University, completed in 2019. Ayan's research interests include the sociology of translation and interpreting, focusing on emotional labor and its implications in the field. Her ethnographic research addresses the challenges interpreters face in maintaining neutrality while embodying the speakers they represent. Currently, she is working on a book manuscript tentatively titled "Gender, Language Sabotage: Emotional Labour in Conference Interpreting," which explores the emotional complexities and gendered nuances in translation practices. Additionally, Ayan has extensive experience as a conference interpreter and translator for international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO. She has received several research grants, including a SSHRC Insight Development Grant aimed at reflecting on race and gender in Indigenous interpreting practices. Ayan is committed to decolonizing translation and interpreting in Arctic research, emphasizing Indigenous language revitalization and the importance of field voices.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Joined the faculty to teach courses in translation theory and practice.

Conference Interpreter

2011-01-01 — Present

Various International Organizations • New York, Brussels

Worked as a conference interpreter and translator for organizations like the United Nations and NATO.

Awards

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Distinguished Dissertation Award

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Fulbright Scholarship

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Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.