Inkeri Vehmas-Thesslund

Inkeri Vehmas-Thesslund (Vehmas-Lehto between 1978 and 2014)
Born 15 May, 1947, Keuruu

Master of Arts, 1973, Licentiate of Philosophy, 1988 and Doctor of Philosophy, 1989 (Russian Language and Literature), University of Helsinki

Professor of Russian Translation, 1998–2014, University of Helsinki

Docent, Russian Language, specialising in translation and terminological research, University of Jyväskylä, 2006
Acting Professor of Russian, University of Jyväskylä, 2005–06
Researcher, Academy of Finland 2003–04

Acting Professor, Language Theory and Translation, 1991–92; Associate Professor, Russian (translation) 1990–98 and Professor 1998–2011, University of Helsinki; Lecturer in Russian 1974–90, Kouvola Language Institute/University of Helsinki; acting Associate Professor, Russian (translation), 1987–88, University of Eastern Finland.

Research interests: Translation studies from a pragmatic standpoint:modulating translations in order to make them understandable and acceptable for their new receptors; concept analysis and preparation of specialist glossaries.

Publications, research projects and other academic activities

Photo: Mika Federley
Author: Inkeri Vehmas-Thesslund, Kaija Hartikainen (ed.)
Translated by John Calton

My best memories of the University of Helsinki

There can be little doubt that the occasion of a public doctoral defence is a demanding experience for anyone who has elected to put themselves through it. And mine was no exception, but happily so. In fact the formalities, including the interval for coffee, took four hours. During the first hour we discussed two concepts central to translation theory, namely equivalence and adequacy. I bet it was hard-going for those present who had nothing to do with translating. The opponent and I had a great time meanwhile. He was in his element: “For once there’s time to discuss these things properly.”

Other highlights have been to do with supervising theses. The student comes to your reception hour confused or desperate. After we’ve spent some time picking over the topic, the coast is clear and the student heads off, relieved and enthused.

When I got back from the Puusta katsoen terminology seminar organised by us in Helsinki in May 2005, I couldn’t help thinking I’m a pretty lucky girl if I get to do such interesting work together with so many great workmates.