Translation norms are understood as internalised behavioural constraints which embody the values shared by a community. In the two main contributions it is argued that all decision in the translation process are primarily governed by norms. The explanatory power of a norm-based theory of translation is then critically reflected upon in the debates and the responses. CONTENTS 1. The Concept of Norms in Translation Studies Christina Schaffner 2. A Handful of Paragraphs on 'Translation' and 'Norms' Gideon Toury (Tel Aviv University) THE FIRST DEBATE 3. Translation and Normativity Theo Hermans (University College, London) THE SECOND DEBATE RESPONSES TO GIDEON TOURY AND THEO HERMANS 4. Description, Explanation, Prediction Andrew Chesterman (University of Helsinki) 5. Norms in Research on Conference Interpreting Daniel Gile (Universite Lumiere) 6. Okay, so how are Translation Norms Negotiated? Anthony Pym (Universitat Rovira i Virgili) 7. Looking Through Translation Douglas Robinson (University of Mississippi) 8. The Trouble with the Strictly Socio-Historical Description of Norms Sergio Viaggio (United Nations, Vienna International Centre) CONCLUDING COMMENTS 9. Some of us are Finally Talking to Each Other. Would it Mark the Beginning of a True Dialogue? Gideon Toury 10. Some Concluding Comments on the Debates and the Responses Theo Hermans