KEY FEATURES - Discusses the effects of globalisation on language use - Considers the position of Translation Studies today and where it is going DESCRIPTION Recent developments, particularly globalisation and advances in technology, have affected our production and perception of language, as reflected in two conflicting forces, globalism and tribalism. The role of English as an international lingua franca is discussed, and conclusions are drawn for the varying activities of translation today and for the rapidly changing job profile of the translator.