From ‘market disorder’ to maturity: modelling the professionalisation of conference interpreting in Rwanda

Abstract

ABSTRACT The high-level conferences that are currently taking place in Rwanda are, for the most part, mediated by interpreters hired from outside the country. One of the main reasons given is that local interpreters have not yet formed a recognised professional body from which clients can easily find and hire them. This paper examines the current state of conference interpreting practice in Rwanda, focusing on the challenges faced and the prospects for the future. The study collected data from a research sample of 33 respondents using qualitative and quantitative research approaches. These included practising interpreters, translation trainers and conference organisers in Rwanda. Based on the model of professionalisation, the study found that the interpreting profession in Rwanda is still at the ‘phase of market disorder’. This is supported by the fact that the majority of the interpreters interviewed are lay interpreters who practise the profession in an unconventional way, using knowledge and skills acquired only through lifelong learning circumstances. In order to ensure the full professionalisation of conference interpreting in Rwanda, this paper presents a three-phase model, namely the market disorder phase (the current status), the growth phase, and the maturation phase.